Preview: Anderlecht vs Westerlo - prediction, team news, lineups

Anderlecht will open their Belgian Pro League campaign for the 2025-26 season with a home game against Westerlo this Sunday, with hopes of getting off the mark in perfect fashion.

The hosts arrive for this curtain-raiser while juggling their continental assignment against Swedish side Haken, whereas the visitors have not tasted competitive action since May.

Match preview

Anderlecht took charge of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie with a 1-0 victory over Haken in Brussels on Thursday, giving them a slender edge ahead of the return leg on July 31.

The Purple and White secured their place on the continental front after finishing fourth in the top flight last term, a turbulent season marked by two managerial changes along the way.

Besnik Hasi returned to the Anderlecht dugout for a second spell in March, taking over from David Hubert, who himself had replaced Brian Riemer but lasted just six months at the helm.

Now preparing for his first full season in charge, Hasi will be aiming to put behind the nightmare ending to the 2024-25 campaign, which saw the side fall to four straight defeats across all competitions, including a domestic cup final loss to Club Brugge and three successive setbacks in the top flight.

Encouragingly, the Purple and White appear to have turned the page since then, with Thursday’s triumph marking their fourth win in six matches across all competitions (D2), a stretch that also includes five friendly outings.

However, one area still requiring attention is Anderlecht’s home record, with that result against Haken representing just their second victory in six competitive matches (1D, L3) at Lotto Park since Hasi returned to the dugout.

That said, the 34-time champions have not lifted the league title since 2017, so they will be even more determined to start this term on the front foot in a bid to build momentum early.

Westerlo, on the other hand, have often operated as a mid-table or bottom-half team during their time in the top flight.

De Kemphanen featured in the Europe Playoffs last term after finishing ninth in the regular season but ended seven points behind Charleroi, who topped their group and earned a place in the Conference League qualification decider.

The club will begin this new season under fresh leadership, with Issame Charai preparing for his first competitive match in charge after overseeing seven friendly fixtures over the summer.

The Fighting Roosters endured mixed results during pre-season, winning three and losing four, though a 3-1 success over Turkish outfit Samsunspor in their most recent outing may give them a slight boost heading into the weekend.

Recent history also provides reason for optimism, as Westerlo avoided defeat in both league meetings with Anderlecht last term, drawing 1-1 at Lotto Park before claiming a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture.

Anderlecht form (all competitions):

Westerlo form (all competitions):

Team News

With the return leg against Haken looming, Hasi will be keen to strike the right balance in his selection, but he is still expected to name a strong starting XI.

Colin Coosemans is almost certain to retain his place in goal, while talisman Kasper Dolberg remains undroppable after a standout season in which he scored 18 goals and opened his account again last week with the winner against Haken.

Former Borussia Dortmund winger Thorgan Hazard came off the bench in that match and could feature from the off this weekend as part of squad rotation, while new signing Nathan-Dylan Saliba may be in line for his first competitive start after a late cameo on Thursday.

Centre forward Elyess Dao (ankle) and full-back Killian Sardella (hamstring) remain doubtful and will need to be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Westerlo, in contrast, have a clean bill of health, giving Charai the full depth of his squad to select from as he takes charge of his first competitive fixture.

Among the new arrivals is striker Nacho Ferri, who found the net in their most recent outing and will be pushing for a starting spot.

Matija Frigan, who netted 13 league goals last term, remains the main attacking threat for Westerlo and will lead the line once again this weekend.

Anderlecht possible starting lineup:

Coosemans; Ndiaye, Kana, Hey, Maamar; Verschaeren, Llyansana, Degryf, Hazard; Dolberg, Stroykens

Westerlo possible starting lineup:

Langendonck; Rommens, Lapage, Bajram, Reynolds; Haspolat, Van den Keybus, Sakamoto, Devine, Yow; Frigan

We say: Anderlecht 3-1 Westerlo

Although recent league meetings have not gone Anderlecht’s way, they did thump Westerlo 4-1 at Lotto Park in last season’s domestic cup, and with momentum firmly in their favour this time, Hasi’s men should be expected to kick off the new campaign with maximum points.

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