Tiny Westerlo sending shockwave through the Belgium Pro League

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De Kemphanen were not expected to perform, as they have so far. Indeed, many Belgian football experts predicted Westerlo to fight relegation.

Of course, the season is still young, and Westerlo could ultimately finish in the relegation zone. However, a perfect nine-point start could see Westerlo make the Championship Playoffs.

It has helped De Kemphanen that the top teams – Club Brugge, USG, Royal Antwerp, and Anderlecht – have all dropped points.

Last season’s champions, Club Brugge, are in a crisis. It is the Black and Blue’s worst start in more than 60 years, with one point from nine.

So, how is Westerlo, a team that took just 30 points from 30 games a season ago, winning matches and topping the Pro League table?

It starts with Westerlo’s attack. No team has scored more goals than Westerlo’s 11. Lucas Stassin and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh lead the team in goals with two apiece. Seven other players have got onto the scoresheet.

Just five goals have been conceded by Westerlo so far, with three of those coming last week against Union. Indeed, Westerlo almost threw away a four-goal lead, as Union nearly came from behind late in the fixture.

Head coach Timmy Simons took charge of De Kemphanen in the offseason, turning them into a strong side in the opening phase of the campaign.

Westerlo’s improvements from last season aren’t down to the transfer market and adding top-quality players. This is one of the Pro League’s smaller clubs, who play in a stadium with a capacity just over 8,000.

They paid a transfer fee for just one player, centre-back Emin Bayram. He joined from Galatasary for €4m. Indeed, the club did not make any significant transfer sales either.

The team’s 4-2-3-1 formation has allowed for quick attacking play in the final third. With two holding midfielders, Simons has enabled the back four to be protected.

Westerlo are a direct team, averaging 18 shots per game. They are just 11th in the 16-team league in possession per game (45%).

The direct play has also led to the team leading the league with nine yellow cards thanks to being aggressive trying to win the ball to start attacks.

De Kemphanen are also one of the league’s weakest passing sides, with a mere 70.1% pass completion rate per game. They rank No. 15 in pass success. Still, Westerlo lead the Pro League after three games.

Although underdogs for matchday No. 4, Westerlo will visit a struggling Gent team to end the weekend.

Gent, another big club in Belgium and potential title challengers, have taken just three points from nine. Can Westerlo win once more?

Хозяева - Гости

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Be1

ГентВестерло 18/08/2024 19:15

292645

22-3

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3.79

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+280

-120 +290 +280 no no no

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4 - 1(3 - 1)

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