Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Standard Liege play host to Mechelen at their Stade Maurice Dufrasne in what is expected to be an interesting Jupiler League game. The Red Devils aim to build on a 2-0 win over Eupen, and they are surely capable of matching Mechelen on home soil. Romania forward Denis Mihai Dragus should be recalled to the starting XI after scoring as a substitute in the midweek triumph, while Peeters and Tapsoba continue to miss out with injuries.
De Kakkers, on the other hand, aim to make amends for a 1-0 loss to Anderlecht. Mechelen are on a three-game losing run on the road in the national championship, which is probably the main reason why we will put our money on the hosts. Midfielder Samuel Oum Gouet represents Cameroon at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, while Gustav Engvall remains in the recovery room.
Highlighted Player (Mehdi Carcela-González):
Despite being born in Liege, Belgium on July 1, 1989, Mehdi Carcela represents Morocco on the international stage. Carcela initially chose to play for his country of birth Belgium, taking part in two friendlies with the Red Devils, but in February 2011 he made his debut with Morocco.
He represented Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, but the African side failed to make it to the knockout stages of the showpiece tournament. Speaking of his club career, Mehdi Carcela played for the likes of Standard Liege, Anzhi, Benfica, Granada and Olympiakos (on loan). He currently plays for Standard Liege on loan from Granada.
Mehdi Carcela’s main position is right winger, but he is capable of playing as both attacking midfielder and left winger as well. In the 2008/2009 season the Morocco international won the Belgian Pro League with Standard and seven seasons later he repeated the success with Benfica as the Eagles won Primeira Liga. His preferred foot is left.