GAMES At the start of the second half of the Champions' Play-offs the balance for Anderlecht looks insufficient, with just six points. The level of play remains very inconsistent and, above all, inadequate. Crucial weeks lie ahead in which Anderlecht must try to finish fourth, and of course there is also the cup final. Can the Purple-and-Whites build on the promising first half against Union, or will the quality gap become clear again as it was in the first half in Bruges?
Can Anderlecht put up more resistance against Club, or at least take a point or even win, as in the regular season? To be honest, it will be particularly difficult: dropping points in the title race can be fatal for Club Brugge. Anderlecht will also be watching the Mechelen–Gent game closely. Anderlecht played its best half in a long time against Union, but Sardella's stupid reaction made the second half a mere formality. Taravel can call on De Cat sooner than expected, but the midfielder is likely to get no more than a short cameo.
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Continue reading Defensively there will be reshuffling because of Sardella's suspension. Llansana is fit again. Huerta is working on his return, which should not be far off. The threat of yellow-card suspensions at Anderlecht grows with every match. Saliba, Llansana, Diarra and Cvetkovic risk a suspension if they pick up another booking. One or more of those players missing the crucial match in Gent through suspension would be a serious setback for the purple-and-whites.
Kick-off: 18:30 Stadium: Lotto Park Referee: Nicolas Laforge
Probable Anderlecht line-up: Coosemans; Camara, Kana, Diarra, Augustinsson; Llansana, Saliba; Verschaeren, Hazard, Bertaccini, Cvetkovic Substitutes: Heekeren, Seghers, Maamar, Hey, Angély, De Cat, Tajaouart, Rits, Da Costa, Kanaté, Nga Kana Injured: Huerta, Sikan, Stroeykens Suspended: Sardella (1/2) At risk of yellow-card suspension: Saliba, Llansana, Diarra, Cvetkovic
Probable Club Brugge lineup: Jackers; Siquet, Ordoñez, Mechele, Seys; Stankovic, Vetlesen; Vanaken, Forbs, Tzolis, Tresoldi Substitutes: Van den Heuvel, De Corte, Spileers, Meijer, Onijedika, Sandra, Diakhon, Campbell, Nilsson, Vermant Injured: Mignolet, Sabbe Suspended: — At risk of yellow-card suspension: Stankovic, Vetlesen
