Pro League: derbies abound while Standard need to pull up their socks

Following a reduced schedule on the fifth matchday, we’re heading into the sixth and final matchday before the international break. All the teams are back, with incredible fixtures awaiting us.

The Flanders derby

KAA Gent are welcoming Club Brugge on home ground in a match that already doesn’t look promising for Ivan Leko. Since arriving at Ghent, the Croatian coach has seen a string of low scores and criticisms of his team. With only 4 points out of a possible 12, a defeat against their Bruges rival is out of the question.

Ranked in 4th place with 9 points out of 12, having played one less match than Ghent, things are going smoothly for Club Brugge. The team are playing well in both the championship and at European level, where they’ve managed to pass every step of the qualifying rounds and secured a spot in the Champions League alongside Union.

Given the teams’ current standings, it’s a safe bet that Bruges will emerge victorious from this derby. Nevertheless, it’s possible that their European matches will have worn them out, which could give Leko’s players the edge.

A new era for Standard?

Following a brilliant start to the season and a win against Genk, Standard are stumbling. Having suffered a 3-0 defeat against Union after Henry’s early send-off, the Rouches desperately needed a win on home ground against Cercle Brugge. In the end, they managed the complete opposite, losing by 3-0 once again, in front of all of their fans. They currently hold 7 points, less than half of the total 15 points available.

After a meeting with Rednic on Sunday, the Liège management decided to part ways with the Romanian coach on Wednesday. He was immediately replaced by Vincent Euvrard, who left Dender. A victory this weekend in Leuven could give a boost to the tactician on the banks of the Meuse. Incidentally, Standard will be seeing the return of striker Thomas Henry now that his suspension has been lifted. Could this trigger a rebellion?

Another blue and yellow season for Brussels?

A new chapter is set to unfold this weekend in the battle of Brussels between Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht.

Since last season, Brussels has unmistakably been flying Union’s blue and yellow flag. Having scored one draw and 3 wins, Union have once again dominated Anderlecht at each derby, racking up a goal difference of 5-0 across the 4 confrontations last season.

The teams are currently ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively (with Anderlecht having played one less match), meaning that this game’s score will be crucial.

As well as boasting the home ground advantage, Union will also have the upper hand both psychologically and physically as, unlike Anderlecht, their schedule doesn’t include midweek games. Our advice if placing a bet: Union will secure another victory!

Betting on the 6th matchday

As well as best odds on the Union – Anderlecht match, we’re also offering a +25% LIVE BetXtra this weekend.

And don’t forget about your predictions for the Challenge, as the first stage will come to a close at the end of this matchday.