Bruges have just conceded seven goals in two games, three against Dortmund in the Champions League and four against Ghent. Nicky Hayen’s men, dominated by the Buffalos, must therefore bounce back in Charleroi. Sporting are 4th with 12 points, one less than their opponent of the day and could achieve a good operation.
On Saturday, the competition leader, Genk, will host Mechelen. The Limburgers (16 points) are six points ahead of their closest pursuers, including La Gantoise (13 points, but in 7 matches) who after their trip to Cercle on Thursday will host OH Louvain (11th, 11 pts) on Sunday (6:30 p.m.). For their part, Cercle (15th, 4 pts and 7 m.) will host Saint-Trond (13th, 9 pts) to close this 9th day (7:15 p.m.).
There are five of them with 13 units chasing Genk, including Antwerp who are hosting the bottom team Beerschot for the metropolitan derby which, as usual, smells of gunpowder in the stands.
Anderlecht, on the back of their victory against Ferencvaros (2-1) to open their European campaign, travel to Dender (10th, 11 pts) on Saturday (8:45 p.m.). Just before (6:15 p.m.), Standard (7th, 12 pts) hopes to confirm their form against Westerlo (8th, 11 points) just behind them in the standings.
Union Saint-Gilloise, back from Istanbul where they challenge Fenerbahce on Thursday evening, will host Kortrijk (14th, 8 pts) on Sunday (4:00 p.m.) to try to give themselves some breathing room in the standings. The Brussels team, who have not scored in four games, are stagnating in an unusual 12th place with 10 points and only two wins.
