Newly-promoted Zulte Waregem begin life back in the Belgian top flight with a clash against established Jupiler Pro League side KV Mechelen at Elindus Arena on Saturday.

The hosts secured their return to the top tier after a two-year absence and will now be looking to hit the ground running in front of their home supporters.

Match preview

Sven Vandenbroeck’s men return to the Belgian top flight following a commanding campaign in the Challenger Pro League, clinching promotion with a dramatic 2-1 win over RWD Molenbeek on the final day. Tobias Hedl and veteran striker Jelle Vossen delivered the decisive goals in the 39th and 86th minutes respectively, sealing top spot and sparking jubilant scenes at Elindus Arena.

The West Flanders outfit have enjoyed a productive pre-season, recording notable victories over AZ, Royal Antwerp and AEK Athens. They also posted emphatic wins - 8-0, 6-0, and 5-0 - against lower-league sides, showcasing their attacking depth. 

While setbacks came in the form of a 5-2 defeat to Reims and draws with Norwich City and Olympic Charleroi, overall preparations reflect a team heading into the top tier with confidence and momentum.

Elindus Arena has already demonstrated its value, with Zulte winning two of their last three home matches and standing firm against established opposition. Historically, they have also fared well in this fixture, going unbeaten in four of their last five meetings with KV Mechelen and scoring at least twice in each of those encounters.

Frederik Vanderbiest’s side, on the other hand, secured an eighth-place finish in last season’s Jupiler Pro League, collecting 38 points to guarantee another year of top-flight football. However, their end-of-season form left much to be desired, with just one win in their final eight league matches despite going unbeaten in ten of their last twelve.

Mechelen have been involved in plenty of attacking action during pre-season, with six friendlies producing a combined 24 goals. Wins over Westerlo, La Louviere and Go Ahead Eagles suggested attacking potential, but defensive concerns emerged in draws with Heist and Rupel Boom, as well as a 3-2 defeat to Ajax in their final warm-up fixture.

This fixture has traditionally served up goals and drama, with 24 goals scored across the last six league meetings. Zulte Waregem have had the upper hand in that spell, winning three times; including a 2-0 victory when the sides last met in January 2023.

Despite finishing eighth last term, Mechelen’s shaky pre-season and late-season vulnerabilities raise doubts ahead of this opener. Vanderbiest will be counting on his experienced core to steady the ship against a spirited Zulte side riding a wave of confidence.

Team News

Zulte Waregem head into their top-flight return with a clean bill of health. Promising youngsters Joseph Opoku and Tochukwu Nnadi are available for selection and could feature prominently, while summer arrivals Enrique Lofolomo and Thomas Claes are in contention to make their competitive debuts. Head coach Sven Vandenbroeck is expected to stick with his preferred 4-5-1 formation.

Veteran forward Jelle Vossen will once again lead the line, but the emergence of Opoku, who impressed during the promotion campaign and pre-season, offers an additional attacking option.

In midfield, Lofolomo and Claes will be looking to make an early impression and inject fresh energy into the team’s core.

KV Mechelen, meanwhile, are without striker Keano Vanrafelghem, who remains sidelined with an injury and no confirmed return date.

Aside from that, Vanderbiest has a full squad available, with new additions Redouane Halhal, Ryan Teague, and Moncef Zekri all pushing for involvement. The manager is likely to retain his favoured 4-2-3-1 system.

The visitors will rely heavily on the experience of Nikola Storm, Rob Schoofs, and Kerim Mrabti, all of whom are expected to play central roles this season. The new signings bring a renewed sense of competition within the squad and will be eager to make their mark from the outset.

Zulte Waregem possible starting lineup:

Gabriel; Lemoine, Tanghe, Nyssen, Cappelle; Nnadi, Lofolomo, Claes, Erenbjerg, Opoku; Vossen

Mechelen possible starting lineup:

Wolf; Belghali, Halhal, Martinez, Zekri; Schoofs, Hammar; Pflucke, Mrabti, Storm; Lauberbach

We say: Zulte Waregem 2-2 Mechelen

With Zulte buoyed by promotion and Mechelen looking to steady the ship after an unconvincing pre-season, both sides have the tools to hurt each other. Goals are expected, and a share of the spoils may be the most likely outcome on opening weekend.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email