**Union rolls in as the sharper team, but Westerlo can scrap at home.** This opening-day clash pits a hot-streaking visitor against a more inconsistent host — all the ingredients for a proper scrap. 🔥

Union just demolished Patro Eisden (4-1) and beat Lille in a friendly, while Westerlo's mixed form includes losses to Samsunspor. That said, the **head-to-head is tight** (3-3 across the last eight), so expect Westerlo to dig in at Het Kuipje.

Key storylines:

- **Royale Union's offensive rhythm** versus **Westerlo's defensive solidity**—Union have scoring threat in **K. Rodríguez** and **A. El Hadj**, but Westerlo won't roll over with **B. Reynolds** and **R. Neustädter** anchoring the backline
- **Westerlo's home record stays alive**—even in patchy form, they've got wins and draws at Het Kuipje; Union haven't dominated this fixture historically
- **Early-season execution**—Union look sharper in preseason, but round 1 can expose rust or overconfidence

Expected lineups:

- **KVC Westerlo**: A. Jungdal, E. Bayram, B. Reynolds, R. Neustädter, L. Mbamba, D. Haspolat, J. Alcócer, N. Bohamdi-Kamoni, A. Piedfort, S. Saito, A. Patrão
- **Royale Union Saint-Gilloise**: V. Chambaere, C. Burgess, K. Mac Allister, R. Sykes, F. Leysen, A. Khalaili, K. V. D. Perre, G. Smith, K. Rodríguez, A. El Hadj, M. Biondic

Prediction:

**Union 2-1 Westerlo.** Slight edge to the visitors' form, but Westerlo keep it competitive.