The feeling with which OHL and Beerschot approach the New Year largely depends on the result of their mutual match. In any case, there is still work to be done, but their chances of retention will be determined by the outcome of Friday evening’s match.
We therefore frame this match as an important poster in the relegation battle, even though the middle bracket is not far away for OHL. The people of Leuven are still in touch with that and, provided they win, they will certainly surpass Westerlo. At the same time, they also have their feet on the ground again, after that late penalty goal by Cercle player Olaigbe, five days ago in Jan Breydel.
In the long term, OHL still has the potential to become a top club, claims CEO Frédéric Van den Steen in HLN. First it is important to avoid the playdowns, just like last season. Then you have to be able to beat the bottom line at home. With a 1-1, a 1-0 win and a 1-0 loss, the tone has been set under new trainer Chris Coleman: the emphasis is on the organization.
Beerschot can join in if they win
Beerschot has been improving for some time now compared to the start of the season, but the question is whether Dirk Kuyt’s team is also making up sufficient ground. Home games against Standard and Kortrijk each resulted in a draw. Those should actually be winning games. With a win in Leuven, Beerschot can finally breathe down the neck of the other teams at the bottom.
It is more difficult to achieve results on the road than at Het Kiel, but there will also have to be a success away from home to bring operation rescue to a successful conclusion. There is no better time to realize this than just before New Year’s Eve. Just to indicate: the interests are high for both clubs.
OHL hopes for a fit Mathieu Maertens
Maertens is doubtful. OHL hopes that the strongman will be ready to play, because he will be missing Pletinckx, Tsoungui, Vlietinck, Ricca and Akimoto anyway. The last two have been suspended. Beerschot is without Fayed and Sanusi. Follow OH Leuven – Beerschot tonight at 6:30 PM LIVE on VOETBALKRANT.COM!
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