Tip: Club Brugge to win
Club Brugge started the new season with a 2-1 victory over strong side Genk, despite having to come from behind. This showed both the character and quality of their squad, including experienced players such as Mechele and Vanaken. Brugge have long been one of the top teams in the league, and their away form is excellent—winning five and drawing two of their last seven matches on the road, including wins over Anderlecht, Gent, and Genk. In contrast, Mechelen had an uncertain start to the season. Despite winning all their home friendlies, they only managed a 1-1 draw against Zulte Waregem in the opening round, conceding a 99th-minute equalizer from the penalty spot. The team looked passive and, although traditionally strong at home, they have only managed two wins from their last 11 home league matches. Moreover, Mechelen are missing injured striker Vanrafelghem, and their attack will again rely on Lauberbach and Storm, who have not impressed so far this season. Brugge are without Ordonez and Onyedika, but their squad has enough quality and depth to cope. We expect Brugge to confirm their role as favourites and take all three points.
Tip: both teams to score
The statistics speak clearly—both teams have scored in 12 of the last 13 meetings between these sides. History also shows that even when evenly matched, these encounters are often high-scoring. Westerlo lost heavily 5-2 to Anderlecht in the first round but once again demonstrated their attacking strength—having now scored in nine consecutive matches. Zulte Waregem impressed with their performance against Mechelen, generating 21 shots and 2.08 xG, and despite being underdogs, took home a valuable point. Both teams are in attacking form at the start of the season but suffer from defensive issues—Westerlo have conceded in each of their last seven matches, and Zulte rarely keep a clean sheet. Given the playing style of both teams, the lack of defensive discipline, and historical trends, we expect both sides to score again.
Tip: Standard Liege to win
Standard Liege have looked very compact at the start of the season—defeating RAAL La Louviere 2-0 in the opening round and showing tactical maturity in both build-up play and transitions. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, keeping three clean sheets, and their defence under coach Rednic looks solid. Up front, Thomas Henry is performing well, supported by the dynamic Sahabo. Dender started the season with a goalless draw against Cercle Brugge, but their performance was mostly defensive—just 273 passes with 71% accuracy and only 11 shots, few of which threatened the goal. The team lacks creativity and relies on individual efforts from players like Kvet or Pupe, which may not be enough against an organized opponent. Standard not only have better quality but also the advantage of playing at home, where they consistently earn points. Given their current form, tactical maturity, and the visitor's weak attack, we expect Standard to claim their second win in a row.
Tip: Gent to win
Gent didn't start the season well, losing at home to Sint-Truidense, but they dominated possession (over 60%) and created a good number of chances. Their main issue is finishing, not overall play. They have quality players in both midfield and attack—Kanga is a capable striker, and newcomer Varela adds freshness. RAAL La Louviere showed fighting spirit and physical readiness but were outclassed by Standard Liege and lost 0:2. Their defence is often overwhelmed, and while they attempt quick transitions, their passing accuracy and game tempo control remain weaknesses. Gent have a significantly stronger squad, more depth in midfield, and greater experience with the league’s tempo. With home advantage and pressure to win, they should manage the match and win by at least one goal.
Tip: draw
Both teams have started the season in decent form and are scoring regularly—Genk have scored in each of their last five games, while Royal Antwerp have scored in their last six. History also suggests very balanced encounters—8 of the last 28 meetings have ended in draws, including a 2-2 draw last season in Antwerp. Genk are strong at home and beat Antwerp 2-0 there last season, but the visitors are currently in excellent away form, unbeaten in their last six away games. Given the balanced squads, good form on both sides, and a history of close results, a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Tip: Anderlecht to win (draw no bet)
Anderlecht have a much better head-to-head record—winning 7 of their last 10 matches against Cercle and dominating the last two games 3-0 and 5-0. They also started the season strongly with a convincing 5-2 win over Westerlo and remained unbeaten in all five of their pre-season matches. Cercle Brugge faced tough opponents like Monaco and Nice in the summer, but their league opener—a draw with Dender—was underwhelming. While not weak at home, facing a motivated Anderlecht with clear title ambitions will be difficult. Given the quality difference, we recommend a draw-no-bet wager on Anderlecht—a sensible safeguard in a potentially even contest.
Tip: Union Saint-Gilloise to win
Union Saint-Gilloise have a strong record against OH Leuven—winning five of their last six encounters, including a 1-0 home victory in their most recent meeting. They show consistent home performances, with two wins in their last three games at their stadium. OH Leuven, on the other hand, are struggling—losing four of their last six matches and looking shaky both defensively and in transitions. Under coach Pocognoli, Union have a clear tactical identity, while the visitors often rely on isolated individual efforts. Thanks to home advantage, a stronger squad, and better form, we favour Union Saint-Gilloise—even if the stats suggest a tighter and lower-scoring game. A narrow home win appears the most realistic scenario.
Tip: both teams to score
Both teams have started the new season with an attacking mindset. Charleroi traditionally relies on strong home performances, where they regularly pick up points and score goals—scoring at least twice in four of their last six home games. Sint-Truiden has also confirmed their offensive form, scoring at least two goals in each of their last three league matches. However, they are not without defensive flaws, which may be exposed against attacking-minded Charleroi. Historically, these matches tend to be close, with both sides often finding the net. Given the attacking form of both teams and recent trends, we expect an entertaining match with goals from both sides.