Anderlecht vs KV Mechelen - Jupiler Pro League

The Jupiler Pro League returns to the home ground on May 17, 2026, where Anderlecht and KV Mechelen will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Chelsea could do with a morale-boosting win when they face AC Milan in Jakarta.

Both Anderlecht and KV Mechelen will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Jupiler Pro League. Anderlecht have held their own of late, WWWWW in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 50%. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, L in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that leaves them deep in trouble. The contrast in attacking output — 0.67 versus 0.83 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their 3-0 win over Nice takes them up to second spot in the fledgling Ligue 1 table.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi is another player of interest; however, his injury may have put even further difficulty in the way of any deal being concluded.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Jupiler Pro League standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".