Backing the outsider in the semi-final

Zulte Waregem made a remarkable course in the first group of Belgium’s Europa League play-offs. Actually they lost points only in their first game vs Leuven, followed by 9 straight wins (9-1-0). Their last game vs Lierse awarded 5-0 by FA decision, as their opponents were disqualified from the league due to debts. Their coach could count to midfielder D.Marcq that recovered on time, on the contrary, his colleagues G.De Mets and I.Doumbia are out of today’s squad due their injuries. 

Lokeren finished on the top of the second group of Europa League play-offs. In their last game they drawed 1-1 at Sint-Truiden’s home, a match that had nothing to play for, as the first spot was already won from P. Maes’ team. Their total record in this group was 6-3-1 and their first place was totally deserved. Out for the rest of the season is defender T.Mpati Bibuangu. Coach P.Maes does not count also for tonight’s encounter to his first choice goalkeeper D.Verhulst and K. Overmeire (reserve midfielder).

Odds suggesting Zulte Waregem as clear favorites here, a team that also have the home advantage to this knockout game. According to their statistics, they were the best team from two Europa League play-offs groups, having the best offensive and defensive performance among the 12 teams that participated. However, an interesting statistic is that Lokeren did not lose a single match in their 5 outings in this play-offs competition. Besides this, they won regular season’s match in Zulte Waregem’s home (1-3). Odds for Lokeren are at 7.00, a price that can not be ignored, even most of the facts are against them. But do not forget that this is a single knockout final-game.