Football Season Guide

Westerlo come to the campaign on the back of a dramatic and narrow escape last season. They seemed set for relegation back to the second flight but a last-day win ensured that they finished just above Leuven in the standings. It has been a long time since they have gotten competitive action as that was back in March and the Yellow and Blues did not participate in the end-season play-offs. Westerlo are now aiming for a safer existence in mid-table and appear in a decent position for that under the guidance of a determined and impactful manager like Bob Peeters. He arrived at a very difficult time last season but had enough personality about him to make sure that Westerlo get above the problems and start getting points. He has now had a full pre-season and will want to see a more structured and defensively mean side that is not getting bullied by stronger outfits. However, the big issue for Westerlo in the upcoming season will be how they deal with the loss of prolific striker Frédéric Gounongbe, the man who has provided a huge percentage of goals in the past two seasons and the one musket responsible for them still being a top-flight side. He joined Cardiff in the English Championship and his absence means that there is a big gap in the squad to be filled. Peeters have signed a few untested strikers in Michalis Manias from Greece and Juventus youngster Eric Lanini, but it is still very much guesswork who will be bringing in the goals this season. Benjamin de Ceulaer is another option up front but he was quite good out wide last season and is unlikely to be moved from there. The lack of centre-back signings has been peculiar up to now but a new player in that position may be arriving later in the summer. As it is, Westerlo look capable of a decent finish in mid-table but a lot will depend on whether they can get a reliable striker who provides goals.