KVC Westerlo – FCV Dender EH

We kick things off with a remarkable stat from the Kempen region: did you know that we are the only club in the top division that has scored in every single home match so far this season? With two home games still to go, this impressive achievement definitely deserves a place in the history books.

KVC Westerlo

Coach Timmy Simons made one change to his starting lineup compared to the match in Mechelen. Amando Lapage was given his first appearance of the season in front of the Westerlo crowd — all of his previous minutes had come in away games. It was once again an entertaining match, with both teams combining for no less than 30 shots on goal (17-13) and 9 big chances (5-4).

The visiting goalkeeper was named Man of the Match, while for Westerlo, it was mainly the game changers who received the highest ratings — both Islam Slimani and Griffin Yow found the back of the net.

During the post-match press conference, our coach was asked if starting with two strikers (Frigan & Slimani) was an option. Let’s just say it’s certainly being considered. Speaking of minutes played — captain Dogucan Haspolat leads the team and also has a unique record against our next opponent. He missed the first match in Dender due to suspension (his only yellow card of the season). In the play-offs, he had to come off at halftime with an injury — and both matches ended in 1–0 losses.

On matchday 13, Dender visited ’t Kuipje and we won 2–0, thanks to goals from Matija Frigan and Allayhar Sayyadmanesh.

FCV Dender EH

An interesting stat about our opponent: they score more away from home (18 scored vs 26 conceded), but also concede a lot more goals on the road (20-46). In their last three away matches during the play-offs, they conceded 13 goals: KV Mechelen (5-2), OH Leuven (4-4), and Charleroi (4-1). So far, nine players have found the net this season, with six scoring more than once: Scheidler (9), Berte (8), Nsimba (7), Kvet (6), and Hrncar and Rôdes each with 3 goals.

Surprisingly, their top assist providers are all defenders: right-winger Hrncar, left-back Ferraro, and central defender Pupe have each delivered five assists this season.

Their last away win dates back to last year, when they gave themselves a nice Christmas/New Year’s gift by beating Anderlecht 2–3 on December 27. Since then, they’ve recorded seven away losses and one spectacular 4–4 draw at OH Leuven.

Referee

Just like last week, a “newcomer” will get the chance to officiate a top-flight match. Massimiliano Ledda, from the Visé region and a well-known name in the Challenger Pro League, will referee his second match in Belgium’s top division, having made his debut two weeks ago in the match between OH Leuven and Dender.

The name might ring a bell — that’s because he also officiated our Croky Cup match against RWDM. Fun fact: refereeing runs in his blood — no fewer than five of his family members are also referees, and they’ll all be attending the match at ’t Kuipje live.

Text and statistics: Peter Boons