Mechelen vs Westerlo

Two struggling Pro League sides collide at AFAS Stadion on September 5, with early-season damage limitation the priority for both. KV Mechelen sit 14th after just one point from three games, while Westerlo prop up the table without a single point, making this an early six-pointer neither side can afford to lose. Mechelen have leaked goals in bunches, drawing 3-3 with Standard Liège before back-to-back defeats to Gent and Charleroi. Myron van Brederode is their sharpest attacking threat with two goals, alongside influential midfielders Dennis Praet and top-rated Thérence Koudou. Westerlo's problems run deeper after a 1-5 opening loss to Union SG and a 4-0 collapse at Lommel. Midfielder Dogucan Haspolat remains their steadying influence, while loanee Norman Bassette, who previously played for Mechelen before joining Coventry, returns to face his old club. Historically, Mechelen hold the edge with 22 wins from 45 meetings to Westerlo's 15. Our prediction: 2-1