Anderlecht seem determined to avoid last year’s little problem – when they won the ‘classic’ league but lost the playoffs – by ending the Jupiler League season (pre-playoffs) as far ahead of their rivals as possible. Regular readers will know that the points gained in the season proper are divided by two before the playoffs (top six are involved) and Anderlecht are in the mood to finish, say, 20 points ahead of the opposition.
Last night, they turned on the style and demolished Gent – their nearest challengers – 3-1, but it could have been more. Matias Suarez, Milan Jovanovic and Dieumerci Mbokani were in particularly fine form. Gent coach Trond Sollied, who is never too serious, likened his team to playing like “Bambi on ice”.
The gap now is nine points and that takes the gloss off tonight’s six-match programme. Two games stand out tonight for reasons linked to speculation concerning moves out of Belgium and between Jupiler League clubs. The matches in question are KV Mechelen-Racing Genk and Club Brugge-Lokeren.
KV Mechelen (10th) – Racing Genk (5th equal)
Both these teams are showing a bit of form, KV Mechelen are unbeaten in their last six games (4 draws) and Genk are unbeaten in five (3 draws). Interest will be on Kevin De Bruyne, who every man and his dog expect to go to Chelsea (and then return to Genk very quickly) and on Julien Gorius, the KV captain. If Genk’s captain Daniel Tozser decides to go to Genoa – who seem to be signing enough players for four teams – then Gorius could find himself in Genk’s midfield the next time these team’s meet. KV have a outside chance of making the top six but that will diminish if Gorius leaves. Anthony Vanden Borre is still out of favour at Genk after having a bit of a sulk.
Club Brugge (3rd) – Lokeren (11th)
Club Brugge have lost their last two games and there is talk of crisis in the air: that talk surrounds Christoph Daum who was hailed as the saviour a couple of months ago. Daum had a run of 1-0 victories and that just about kept the directors and fans happy. All that has changed though and with Vadis Odjidja injured, the team does look to lack creativity. Victor Vasquez today asked to be given time but that’s one thing the club does not have. Lokeren are on a bit of fun so watch this space.
Lierse (13th) – Cercle Brugge (7th)
Bob Peeters’ Cercle Brugge have been a bit flaky in recent weeks and now they will be without Berndt Evens and Arnar Vidarsson. Lierse are useful at home and could take the three points.
Sint Truiden (16th) – Westerlo (15th)
This ‘relegation’ battle brings together two genuine Club Brugge legends: Jan Ceulemans and Franky Van der Elst. Westerlo have 10 players injured. Who wins this is anyone’s guess!
Zulte Waregem (14th) – Beerschot (8th equal)
Zulte are finding their form under Francky Dury, while Beerschot don’t travel well. Expect three points for the home club.
Leuven (12th) – Kortrijk (5th equal)
Leuven are over-achieving and … so are Kortrijk. This could be another draw for Leuven.
It is funny what you said about Genoa. They really do sign a lot of players. It seems they have an entirely new starting 11 every 6 months.