Every supporter and journalists present were curious after the game against Kortrijk what was discussed at half-time. After all, in the first 45 minutes we had seen an unrecognisable Westel, after half-time we got to see the truly feared Kemphians, with an even not so exaggerated 4-0 as the final result.

KVC Westerlo

After his fine effort and performance on the training pitch, Sergii Sydorchuk was given a starting place in a league match for the first time this season. He took the place of youngster Arthur Piedfort.

Then again, Koen Van Langendonck who stayed on as first goalkeeper, having done a good job replacing the then injured Sinan Bolat for a few games. Koen did not betray the confidence and made a crucial save in the first no-nonsense half, otherwise the signs could have been in Kortrijk’s favour.

Each of the 4 goals came after a collective strong attack. Alfie Devine scored his first 2 goals and was awarded the title of Man of The Match after the match.

Meanwhile, we have 5 players on the verge of a suspended match: Reynolds, Haspolat, Sayyadmanesh, Frigan and Alcocer . So they must be careful not to miss the match at Dender.

The latter already trained with the group this week, but is not 100% deployable yet. Mathias Fixelles was also treated indoors this week, and he continues to work on his rehabilitation.

Home games against Gent usually fall scoreless. It is already 2008’s wait for a three-peat, after 5 draws and 5 defeats.

AA Gent

Coach Vrancken and Westerlo have met ten times in the past. Not a single match of those has he already lost, indeed, eight wins and two draws.

Are we now meeting the Gentenaars at a good time, after the heavy defeat to Anderlecht and the loss against Swiss Lugano? Or are they just now doubly focused on getting their first win away from home since September 22 against Club Brugge?

In those 2 losing games, 7 players came to the kick-off each time: defenders Samoise, Watanabe and Torunarigha, midfielders Delorge and Ito and strikers Surdez and Sonko. Roef and Schmidt alternated in goal, Brown and Tiago Araujo did so at left-back,Kums and Gandelman – always scores against us!!! – as central midfielders and Max Dean and Andri Gudjohnsen took turns being the deep striker.

Samoise and Torunarigha are not going to be there anyway because of their red card they received against Anderlecht. A possible replacement at the right-back position, Noah Fadiga, dropped out a few weeks ago with heart problems and in the centre of defence, Serbian Stefan Mitrovic is likely to take Torunarigha’s position.

The top shooters are Dean and Gandelman, both have already scored four goals and Franck Surdez has already been the final passer five times.

Just to add that Gent score more (57%) in the first half, than in the second half, but in the last 5 league away games (Cercle Brugge, STVV, Union, Beerschot and Anderlecht) they could only shake the nets twice.

Simon Bourdeaud’hui

Nathan Verboomen was normally scheduled to officiate this match, but in the last instance he was replaced by Bourdeaud’hui.

This 28-year-old referee, affiliated to Oudenaarde, has refereed 7 Pro League matches this season – none of ours – and 4 matches in the Challenger Pro League.

At the Kuipje, he was already our match referee three times (2-0 against Virton, 3-3 against Standard and 2-2 against STVV) and we also had him twice on the move, including an AA Gent vs Westerlo (2-2).

Conclusion: the statistics are in our favour with two wins and three draws.

Text and statistics: Peter Boons