Pro League matchday 17: what can KVM and Cercle bring this time around?

On to the seventeenth matchday with the JPL! Belgium’s finest football clubs are ready to go head to head in another exciting weekend, on 6-8 December. KV Mechelen and Cercle Brugge are in it to win it once more. How do you see this matchday developing? In this preview article, we’ll be shining our light on the most likely situations.

KRC Genk vs KV Kortrijk

07/12 4 p.m.

Most likely to win: KRC Genk

KRC Genk is on another level this season: the Genkies are top of the 2024 class so far with a 4-point lead. To avoid the relegation zone, KV Kortrijk needs points, but won’t find any here.

KV Mechelen vs Club Brugge

07/12 6.15 p.m.

Most likely to win: Club Brugge

KV Mechelen has enjoyed a commendable campaign, but now it’s up against one of its greatest foes: Club Brugge, second in the standings. Logic dictates an unfortune loss for Malinwa.

Standard vs OH Leuven

07/12 6.15 p.m.

Most likely to win: Standard

In one of those games that could go either way, it’s best to side with the home team, regardless of who you’re rooting for. Therefore, we think that this one will go to Standard.

KAA Gent vs STVV

07/12 8.45 p.m.

Most likely to win: KAA Gent

KAA Gent’s been in a funk ever since its painful deconstruction at the hands of Anderlecht (6-0). Time to get back into the groove with a decisive victory over twelfth-placed STVV!

Antwerp vs Charleroi

08/12 1.30 p.m.

Most likely to win: Antwerp

Antwerp didn’t manage to convince anyone last matchday, but against Charleroi, the Great Old should find more openings. Expect the home team to win here.

Cercle Brugge vs Union

08/12 4 p.m.

Most likely to win: Union

Cercle Brugge is in a slump, stuck in the relegation quagmire. Despite its ups and downs, Union still has its sights set on a top 5 spot. The visitors will grab their 3 points at Jan Breydel.

Anderlecht vs Beerschot

08/12 6.30 p.m.

Most likely to win: Anderlecht

Anderlecht is fourth so far, and with 12 goals against, the Mauves have the best defense of the JPL so far. Inversely, Beerschot conceded the most goals (36). Victory for Anderlecht.

Dender vs Westerlo

08/12 7.15 p.m.

Most likely to win: Westerlo

With 18 points, Dender is uncomfortably close to the relegation zone. A win would do wonders, but against Westerlo, which has a shot at the top 5, that’s probably not in the cards here.