A new clash between two West-Flemish teams this season, as newly promoted Zulte Waregem take on Club at the Elindus Arena. For the 47th time, the two teams will be meeting in Belgium's top flight.
THE FIXTURE
23 earlier visits to Waregem ended in 10 wins for Club, 6 draws and 7 defeats. Club's most recent win dates back to January of 2023 (1-2), while we would have to travel back to August 2015 to see the last defeat for Club at the Gaverbeek (2-0).
Club Brugge has had a fine run lately in Waregem, unbowed for nine games on end (7W, 2D). Club has always had the upper hand in the last 19 league games against Essevee (15W, 3D), except for one time in November 2018, when Zulte Waregem made it 1-3 at Jan Breydel.
A goal for Club will carry some extra meaning, as it will be the 100th league goal against Zulte Waregem. With five wins in six, Club has started the season in excellent spirits. Despite the defeat at KV Mechelen (2-1), the team is showcasing a fine form and ambition.
Both Christos Tzolis and Hans Vanaken have improved their stats so far, netting three. With two league goals so far, Tzolis is Club's top scorer, only outdone by Florucz (Union), Hazard (RSCA) and Ito (STVV) who all scored three so far.
The youth ranks of Zulte Waregem are no stranger to Jorne Spileers and Cisse Sandra, while Zulte Waregem now even features four former Club products: Jelle Vossen, Brent Gabriël, Laurent Lemoine and Anton Tanghe.
THE OPPONENT
Zulte Waregem is back where it belongs after two seasons at the Challenger Pro League. It had to wait for the final match day of the season to secure that promotion towards its 19th season in the Eerste Klasse.
Holding the reins at Essevee since the Summer of 2024, coach Sven Vandenbroeck has had quite the career so far, after stints at a.o. Greece, Cameroon, Zambia and Morrocco, before returning to Belgium in 2024 to coach Lierse.
Some of last season's big names left Essevee during the Summer mercato: Pape Demba Diop (Strasbourg), Nicolas Rommens (Lommel) and Youssef Challouk (KV Kortrijk) all heading for other pastures. No fewer than nine new signings joined the club: Brent Gabriël (goalkeeper), Wilguens Paugain and Jakob Kiilerich (defense), Thomas Claes, Serxho Ujka and Enrique Lofolomo (midfield) and Tobias Hedl, Anosike Ementa and Emeka Anachunam (forwards).
With four points out of nine so far, Zulte Waregem is in eighth place. The upset win at Anderlecht (2-3) came as a boost after the draw at KV Mechelen and a defeat at the hands of Westerlo. Jeppe Erenbjerg scored the decider at the Lotto Park and is currently the team's top scorer with two goals. With two assists, Joseph Opoku tops that table at Essevee.
It has been some time since Zulte Waregem was able to win a Jupiler Pro League home game. For eight games on end, the hosts have been unable to come out on top. Former Club star Jelle Vossen will not be available due to injury.
MILESTONES
Some milestones ahead of Saturday's game:
- Nordin Jackers could be manning goal for the 30th time.
- Hugo Vetlesen is up for a 70th league appearance at Club.
- Kyriani Sabbe is on his way to play his 50th JPG game.
- Gustaf Nilsson, back from injury, might be manning the pitch for the 30th time in the league for Club.
- Cisse Sandra might be wearing the Club jersey for the 20th time in the league.
THE MAN IN BLACK
Mr. Jan Boterberg has been appointed the game between Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge. Born in Ostend, the ref will be in charge of this particular encounter for the first time in the ten seasons he's been a ref in the Jupiler Pro League. He will be officiating in the 12th official game featuring Club. Four earlier away games did not come with a defeat for Club (3W, 1D).
Mr. Boterberg will be joined by his linesmen, Mr. Nick Senecaut and Mr. Michiel De Cuyper, while Mr. Matonga Simonini will be fourth official. Taking charge of VAR in Tubeke will be Mr. Jasper Vergoote, alongside Mr. Michael Geerolf and Mr. Istvan Lagaert.