Football Season Guide

Waasland-Beveren defied the odds for yet another season last term and after starting the campaign well the Lions remained solid all throughout, which brought them safety. This relatively trouble-free campaign was needed, but it is not changing anything and the extremely difficult financial situation of the club once again saw the same old story repeating in the summer months. Max exodus of players was compensated by the signing on free transfers of many new names and once again the Lions will have countless new faces in the squad for the start of the new season. At least coach Vreven remained and for the first time in four seasons Waasland will actually start a campaign with the same manager that finished the previous one. The Lions lost four, or even five, of their regulars in the summer but the gaffer is not planning to change his working 4-4-1-1formation. That said in the home games this is more likely to look 4-4-2 and Zinho Gano can’t be complaining that he is not getting support up front. The newcomer Cerigioni is an interesting striker that can be very effective in the air, which is helpful considering the fact that Waasland tend to rely on many high crosses. Langil will be extremely important down the left wing, while Vanzo and Myny are in fierce battle who will be starting down the other flank of the attack. The heart of the midfield will be completely changed after the departure of all regulars there and at least the last few friendlies suggest that Seck and Marquet will be preferred in the early rounds, with Cools the only other player looking good enough to play on regular bases for the first team. Unlike in midfield Waasland have plenty of options in defence and also goalkeeper Henkinet is expected to be amongst the top shot stoppers in the league once again. Last season he averaged 3.2 saves per match and with bright future predicted for him and many big clubs wanting to see him performing well for another full season he is likely to be key factor. All that said the Lions rode their luck and just about survived in all of the past three seasons and some pundits think that finally their luck will run out.