KV Mechelen vs Anderlecht

An early-season clash at Achter de Kazerne means more than the calendar suggests. KV Mechelen sit 14th with two points from four games, while Anderlecht are only slightly better off in 11th on three points — an uneasy start for both. Mechelen haven't kept a clean sheet all season, drawing 2-2 with RAAL La Louvière and 3-3 with Standard Liège around defeats to Charleroi and Gent. Anderlecht's form is similarly shaky: a home win over RAAL La Louvière, a loss at Beveren, and a chastening 0-3 derby defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise. Coach Vitor Bruno has drawn criticism for sticking too long with the same XI, leaving teenager Joshua Nga Kana overworked in midfield. Mechelen will lean on Myron van Brederode up front. History clearly favours the visitors, with Anderlecht winning 26 of 45 previous meetings to KV Mechelen's 9. Our prediction: 1-2