Standard’s home draw with Club Brugge, 2-2, means that the Liege club are in danger of not qualifying for the championship playoffs for the second year running.The danger is real as their rivals – Lokeren and KV Mechelen – could easily get six points each from their final two games. Lokeren welcome Lierse (fighting relegation) and visit Sint Truiden (nothing to play for). KV Mechelen visit Germinal Beerschot (almost certainly safe) and welcome Eupen (facing relegation).
Standard need six points from their visit to Charleroi (the only Walloon derby) and a home game with Germinal Beerschot. It would be bad for football – given Standard’s amazing support – but it’s their fault that they have not qualified already. Sadly, Steven Defour did not look fully fit against Club Brugge, who were well-organised and played some neat and tidy football.
At the top of the table, Anderlecht were rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of 10 million euros coming their way from Terek Grozny, but a last minute hitch meant not quite so much from FC Anzhi Makhachkala – the home of Roberto Carlos. It looks like they have sold their title hopes along with Mbark Boussoufa. I guess the powers-that-be feel they should still be able to come second and creep into the Champions League qualifiers that way. Boussoufa was known as Mr. 50% as he was responsible for half of Anderlecht’s goals (either by scoring or making an assist). It’s not obvious who will replace Boussoufa during the playoffs – Suarez, Kanu and De Sutter would seem to be poor options at the moment. Even Jordan Lukaku has been mentioned, but that looks like speculation and desparation. Racing Genk look like favourites now and they have built up a decent squad with attacking alternatives and a good utility player in ex-Anderlecht hero Anthony Vanden Borre. In the Genk nets, 18 year-old Thibaut Courtois is one to watch for the future.
On Saturday night, all matches will kick off at the same time (Genk are at home to Westerlo and Anderlecht begin life without Boussoufa at Eupen). The simultaneous starts smack of organisation by the Jupiler Pro League. This is a new venture and will be closely watched.
Top eight going into this weekend’s games (30 matches in the season, top six go into “Playoffs 1”.
- Racing Genk: p 28, points 61.
- Anderlecht; 28-61.
- Ghent: 28-54.
- Club Brugge: 28-49.
- Lokeren: 28-46.
- KV Mechelen: 28-44.
- Standard Liege: 28-43.
- Cercle Brugge: 28-39.