KVC Westerlo – R. Antwerp FC

Another clash with Antwerp is on the agenda this Saturday at 8:45 p.m. at ’t Kuipje. Can our Kemphanen beat The Great Old for the third time this season?

KVC Westerlo

It’s been a European-style week for Westerlo, with three matches in seven days. On Tuesday, we travelled to OH Leuven, where we managed to shake off the disappointment of the defeat against Genk with a win. The football wasn’t spectacular, but thanks to two goals from Ferri and another strong performance from goalkeeper Jungdal, we secured all three points. Coach Charaï also had words of praise for the travelling supporters: “I especially want to thank the fans for their incredible support. On a Tuesday evening, the away end was almost full. I hope they’ll be there again against Antwerp.”

“I’m satisfied, because these are the kinds of matches you have to grind out. Our first half wasn’t great. Our defensive line was too high and there wasn’t enough pressure on the ball, but we adjusted that at halftime. After that, it was much better,” Charaï told DAZN. The ambition within the squad is clear. Ferri emphasized this in an interview: “The hunger is there and we absolutely want to qualify for European football.” He is currently joint fourth in the top scorers’ rankings. Jungdal also believes in the team: “Every match is important, but we’re convinced we can bring this to a successful end.”

Westerlo currently share first place with 29 points. However, Genk lead due to a slight advantage after the points were halved. On Saturday, captain Haspolat could make his 100th appearance for the club. Coach Charaï can count on the following squad: Jungdal, Van Langendonck, Annell, Lapage, Kimura, Nsiala, Sayyadmanesh, Sydorchuk, Patrão, Bohamdi-Kamoni, Sakamoto, Reynolds, Mbamba, Gouré, Neustädter, Haspolat, Saito, Van den Keybus, Bayram, Piedfort, Alcócer, Ferri.

R. Antwerp FC

Antwerp won 1–2 away at Standard on Tuesday, thanks to two goals from Christopher Scott. With that victory, the club has taken six points from their last two matches and currently sit fourth in the Europe Play-offs with 24 points. A win on Saturday is essential for Antwerp if they want to keep their hopes alive of winning Play-off 2. They will be without injured players Gerard Vandeplas and Mauricio Benitez. Key players for The Great Old include captain Vincent Janssen (8 goals, 5 assists), the in-form Scott (5 goals, 2 assists), and defensive pillars Yuto Tsunashima and goalkeeper Nozawa (7 clean sheets).

Line-up last match (3-5-2): Nozawa, Foulon, Tsunashima, Van den Bosch, Adekami, Praet, Scott, Dierckx, Valencia, Kerk, Janssen.

Our previous encounter

The previous match against Antwerp, on matchday 25, will stay with us for a long time — not just because our Kemphanen came out on top, but also due to the wintry conditions in which it was played. Westerlo started strongly and took the lead after fifteen minutes. A free kick from Alcócer took a deflection, goalkeeper Nozawa fumbled the ball, and Sayyadmanesh reacted quickest to tap in the 0–1. Antwerp offered little before halftime.

After the break, Antwerp tried to increase the pressure and came close to equalizing. Kerk missed a big chance, while a goal from Janssen was disallowed for offside. Westerlo held firm and struck again. After a fine combination between Sayyadmanesh and Reynolds, the latter calmly slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 0–2. In the closing stages, Antwerp pushed but lacked cutting edge. Our Kemphanen held on comfortably and secured a deserved victory.

Referee

Nicolas Laforge will officiate the match on Saturday. His assistants are Laurent Conotte and Vito Di Vincenzo, while Tom Stevens will act as fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Quentin Pirard.