Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Belgian Pro League clash between Mechelen and Standard Liege, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Mechelen play host to Standard Liege on Saturday evening looking for the point that they require to secure second place in the Belgian Pro League European playoff table.
Meanwhile, the visitors can only finish as high as second bottom having failed to win a single playoff game.
Match preview
Earlier in the playoffs, Mechelen would have had hopes of eventually closing down leaders Gent to keep them in the hunt for a continental spot.
However, the 4-2 defeat to their main rivals on May 4 effectively ended that challenge, Gent now nine points clear with one game remaining.
Besnik Hasi and his side can have few complaints, though, having failed to record back-to-back victories since the beginning of March.
De Kakkers head into this contest knowing that a draw against Standard Liege will be enough to guarantee the runners-up spot.
With this being a team that finished in 13th place during 2022-23, this season can still be viewed as one where progress has been made.
The same cannot be said for Standard Liege who make the trip to Achter de Kazerne having failed to win any of their last eight matches.
Ivan Leko had been tasked with delivering continental football upon his appointment in January, yet he has prevailed in just three of his 18 matches.
A five-game drawing streak at least ensured that Standard Liege recently enjoyed an unbeaten run, yet they have since lost two matches in a row.
Seven goals have been conceded against Leuven and Gent respectively, although they did keep a clean sheet against Mechelen as recently as April 23.
Mechelen Belgian Pro League form:
Standard Liege Belgian Pro League form:
Team News
Ngal’ayel Mukau sustained an injury during the closing stages against Westerlo and could miss out for Mechelen.
James van Hecke looks to be the most likely alternative in central midfield, while Geoffry Hairemans is in contention to feature on the right.
Although right-back Rafik Belghali came off the substitutes’ bench to score versus Westerlo, he may be kept among the replacements.
Moussa Djenepo will hope to earn a recall for Standard Liege on the left flank, while 16-year-old Oscar Olivier may get a run-out at full-back.
Daan Dierckx could also feature in the middle of the backline as Leko looks for a winning formula.
Mechelen possible starting lineup:
Thoelen; Bolingoli, Konate, Garananga, Foulon; Schoofs, Mukau; Pflucke, Bafdili, Mrabti; Lauberdach
Standard Liege possible starting lineup:
Epolo; Fossey, Noubi, Panzo, Fini; Canak, Price, Kawabe, Balikwisha; Yeboah, Kanga
We say: Mechelen 2-0 Standard Liege
While the pressure is off the visitors, Mechelen may perform better given the desire to finish as the best of the rest. With that in mind, we are backing the home side to record a win, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.