Mechelen vs Club Brugge: Match Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Probable Lineups

Braking News update August 01, 2025

Mechelen vs Club Brugge: Match Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Probable Lineups

By Zamal Uddin

Nineteen-time Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge will continue their mission to reclaim the league title as they travel to face Mechelen at Achter De Kazerne this Friday. While Mechelen searches for their first win of the season, Blauw-Zwart (Club Brugge) looks to maintain their perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign.

🏟️ Match Overview

Mechelen ended the 2024/25 season in eighth place but has set sights on breaking into the top six and securing a spot in European competitions this term.

Last weekend, Frederik Vanderbiest’s men had to settle for a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Zulte Waregem, conceding a dramatic 99th-minute penalty. This result currently places them seventh in the standings, narrowly missing the top six on goal difference.

Despite a solid pre-season with three consecutive home wins, Mechelen’s home record remains a concern. Since January, they have won only two of their last 11 home league fixtures, although losing just once during that period shows resilience.

A victory on Friday could potentially push Mechelen to the top of the table, while a defeat could drag them closer to the relegation zone in these early stages.

🔵 Club Brugge’s Title Ambition

Under manager Nicky Hayen, Club Brugge aims to capture their 20th Belgian Pro League crown after narrowly missing out on the title to Union Saint-Gilloise last season.

Brugge started the new campaign strongly with a 2-1 comeback win over Genk, thanks to second-half goals from Joel Ordonez and Brandon Mechele. This victory has placed them fourth in the standings, just two points off the leaders Anderlecht, with an opportunity to reach the summit this weekend.

Blauw-Zwart’s away form is particularly impressive—unbeaten in their last seven away league matches, including victories against Anderlecht, Gent, and Genk late last season. A second straight win could see them leapfrog Standard Liege, Saint-Truiden, and the current leaders, depending on other results.

📰 Team News

Mechelen: Vanderbiest will rely on his core attacking options but faces defensive pressure after conceding late against Zulte Waregem.
Club Brugge: Hayen’s squad remains largely fit, with key players Mechele and Ordonez expected to start after their heroics in the opening fixture.

📋 Predicted Lineups

Mechelen:

(Example lineup)
Goalkeeper – Defender – Defender – Defender – Midfielder – Midfielder – Midfielder – Winger – Striker

Club Brugge:

Goalkeeper – Defender – Mechele – Defender – Midfielder – Midfielder – Ordonez – Winger – Striker

🔮 Prediction

Given Brugge’s strong away record and confidence after a comeback win, they enter this match as favorites. Mechelen’s struggle to secure home wins could continue unless they find a clinical edge in front of their fans.

Prediction: Mechelen 1-2 Club Brugge