The Stats Zone
October 19 2023, 17:51 · Alex Lawes

RWDM vs Westerlo Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League

RWDM vs Westerlo Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League

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THE FACTS

When is RWDM vs Westerlo on and what time does it start? RWDM vs Westerlo will take place on Saturday 21st October, 2023 – 17:15 (UK)

Where can I get tickets for RWDM vs Westerlo? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information

Where can I watch RWDM vs Westerlo in the UK? RWDM vs Westerlo will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK

THE LOWDOWN

RWDM

As part of the John Textor ownership model, alongside the likes of Botafogo, Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais, Racing White Daring Molenbeek gained promotion to the Belgian top-flight last season. Over the summer, RWDM appointed former Newcastle defender Claudio Cacapa as their new Head Coach, having previously been an assistant at Lyon and caretaker at Botafogo.

Their season began with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Genk but they have since proven more than competitive in their nine matches since then – suffering just three more defeats with those three losses coming against Club Brugge and Union SG, as well as a trip to Sporting Charleroi; which was their most recent outing, a couple of weeks ago.

WESTERLO

In the summer of 2022, Westerlo gained promotion back to the Belgian top-flight. Under the management of Jonas De Roeck, they produced an excellent campaign last year, finishing in the top eight and reaching the end of season UEFA Europa Conference League playoff places. However, they have started this season very badly with a case of ‘second season syndrome’.

They started the season without a victory in their opening nine matches but, finally, prior to the international break, earned their first win, defeating fellow strugglers Kortrijk by a goal to nil. That victory followed up impressive draws against Standard Liege and Genk as their performances steadily improved.

THE TEAM NEWS

RWDM

Claudio Cacacapa may be able to welcome back Julian de Sart but he remains without the injured Kylian Hazard, whilst Makhtar Gueye will be out suspended.

PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Defourny; Sissako, Klaus, Segovia; Camara, Dwomoh, Abe, Abner; Reine-Adelaide; Mercier, Dailly

UNAVAILABLE: Gueye (Suspended), Hazard (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE: de Sart (Injured), Le Joncour (Injured)

WESTERLO

Jonas De Roeck has no fresh injury or suspension concerns for this weekend’s trip to Molenbeek and he could theoretically name an unchanged side for this weekend.

PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Bolat; Bayram, Neustadter, Tagir; Reynolds, Haspolat, Sydorchuk, Rommens; Stassin, Matsuo; Daci

UNAVAILABLE: Frigan (Injured), El Hari (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

THE PREDICTION

Prior to this season, many would have expected one of these teams to be in mid-table with the other sitting rock-bottom in Belgium’s top-flight but perhaps not this way around with RWDM comfortable and Westerlo badly struggling. Despite struggling, Westerlo have remained an entertaining team to watch as they were last season. Their ten matches so far this season have consisted of 29 goals. Home advantage makes RWDM slight favourites but both teams scoring look a good bet for this one.

TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE