KRC Genk vs Westerlo

Genk and Westerlo kick off a reshaped Belgian Pro League on 15 August, in the league's first season as an 18-team round-robin with no play-offs, so early points carry extra weight this year. Genk finished 7th last season and Westerlo 9th, with both sides reaching the Europe play-off group. Genk arrive under Jess Thorup, back for a second spell after Nicky Hayen left for Burnley, following the big-money exit of Konstantinos Karetsas to Dortmund and a late departure for Yira Sor. Captain Bryan Heynen remains the leader, with young keeper Lucca Brughmans set to inherit the gloves this season. Westerlo, under Issame Charai, have had one of the busiest transfer windows in club history, bringing in Cameron Congreve and loanee Norman Bassette to replace departed top scorer Nacho Ferri, while Dogucan Haspolat anchors the midfield. Genk have dominated recently, winning 12 of the last 18 head-to-head meetings. Our prediction: 2-1