A game in the top play off tier this afternoon, with two teams with a somewhat different outlook on things.
Gent, the visitors, ah poor Gent, they had a chance to challenge Anderlecht for the title, they started the play offs unexpectedly well, a win against Brugge and Charleroi, a commendable draw at Anderlecht, all they had to do was beat Oostende last Friday in Gent, guess what, 1-1 and poof there go the title hopes.
This is somewhat a constant with this team, they will outperform unexpectedly in Europa League beating Tottenham etc, but the next game at home against Genk they get stomped into the ground. Same in the league, they do well to get in a position with real prospects, but when it comes time to collect the marbles, they fizzle and us the fans are left wondering if this is the same team as we've been watching.
Anyway, Gent is still in the running for 2nd place, I doubt they wil hold on to it, but today they're going to Waregem, they haven't won the last 6 times they played there, and I'm not putting my money on them breaking that streak today. It's hard to gauge the atmosphere and mindset after basically handing over the title hopes, but if they have any kind of spine left, they will at least come to play.
No real important injuries or absentees, Dejaegere is questionable.
What I do like about Gent is the renewed vigour up front with revelation Kubo, Gent have scored in 3 of their 4 play off games and I doubt they will get shut out by Waregem who have conceded 2 goals in 3 of their 4 play off games.
Waregem hasn't won a single play off game yet and let in a group highest number of 7 goals in 4 games. But they don't really care, they won the Cup and will be playing European football anyway. This team is not known for parking the bus kinda football when they're playing for something and in this scenario they will probably even more so play relaxed, attractive and aggressive football. They are well aware of their home record against Gent, it's a bit of a Flemish rivalry. Top scorer Mbaye Leye was let go by Gent a few seasons ago and is still sour about it, he has proven the people who said he was too old wrong by being Waregem's top scorer 2 seasons in a row, he'll show up for this game. Same for Lepoint, ex-Gent and always motivated to play the old club. Waregem have scored at home on Gent this season and last, and I'm betting they will again today. No notable absentees.
The stabs:
Waregem-Gent BTS @ -125
Waregem-Gent over 2.5 @ +110
Have a good one guys.
CPL XIX Winner. Punter. Scotch lover. Big Man.