LOKEREN VS WAREGEM PREVIEW & PREDICTION
Sporting Lokeren and Zulte Waregem compete against each other in a typical end-of-season competition. Both clubs have nothing to win or lose and can already think about preparing for Play-off 2.
Lokeren:
When chairman Roger Lambrecht and coach Peter Maes stated that next season should be different at Sporting Lokeren, they have not lied about it. A player may leave the day after the maintenance has been granted. Lokeren lends Branislav Ninaj to MSK Zilina until the end of the season, with a purchase option. It looks like Play-off 2 is a showcase for players who are allowed to leave and that the youngsters will also get their chances.
Lokeren visited Mouscron last weekend and the assignment was clear. Winning so that no nervous last matchday had to arrive. After 45 seconds the ball was already on the spot for the Waaslanders. More ambiance in the shed after the break. A cross from Selim Amallah was headed by Dorin Rotariu to the second post. The Henegouwers got hope through the equalizer and went to battle in search of victory. But the goal fell across the road. A corner from the Waaslanders was re-tackled by Maric and Jakov Filipovic was able to work from close by. The central duo so again important in a very nervous match.
Coach Peter Maes was frank and positive afterwards. ‘I finally saw the Lokeren that I wanted to see. Eager and hungry, forward playing football and 90 minutes focus. This is a basis for building on. This Lokeren can make it difficult for any team, both at home and at home. I also saw a lot of potential and a large margin of growth with Arno Monsecour, Bob Straetman and José Cevallos. With Samy Kehli and Maric this should be the heart of the team. ‘
Waregem:
For Zulte Waregem it is a season that will not make history books. Turning the page quickly and looking ahead is now the task. Knowing Coach Francky Dury, he will want to play a good Play-off 2 in order to keep the pitch on European football cool. The players must also show that they deserve to defend the colors of the club next season.
Waregem received the Anderlecht visit last Saturday. A nice duel that they could start without complexes. But after only two minutes, the deficit was already on the board. A harbinger of a half full of goals. The score was 1-3 in the disadvantage of Waregem. The supporters saw a better home team in the second half and they scored the equalizer five minutes before the end signal. But more was not there anymore.
Striking: Francky Dury got to the left back Kingsley Madu after only sixteen minutes to the side. That is good for the fastest tactical change of the season. The defender looked very bad at the first two goals. “I had to give a signal,” says Dury. “We just did not start well. However, we knew how Anderlecht would play. If you take such a goal after only two minutes and ten minutes later, then all the trust is gone. ‘
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1.53
