KAA Gent have emerged as genuine title contenders in the Jupiler Pro League. The team coached by Rik De Mil lead the competition after eight matchdays with 22 points and remain unbeaten.
The abolition of the Play-Offs and the points halving system this season makes a strong regular season more important than ever. Gent are capitalising fully with seven wins and one draw. They hold a one-point lead over Club Brugge and have a goal difference of +11. Their latest victory was a 0-2 away win at Zulte Waregem last Saturday, with goals from Ibrahima Cisse and Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Hein Vanhaezebrouck, the coach who led Gent to the league title in 2015, sees the full squad competing until the end. "Why not?" asked Vanhaezebrouck. "It's not like Gent will start losing match after match. What is the competition anyway?"
Analyst and former player Olivier Deschacht highlighted the squad's depth. "But otherwise everything is double-covered in the squad," said Deschacht. "If they can survive this schedule with European football and they are still at the top in January, they can have a chance." Gent qualified for the Conference League League Phase this season after three qualifying rounds.
The performances exceed pre-season expectations, as the squad was not significantly strengthened on paper. Christian Burgess is cited as a key figure in defence. The team have won or drawn their last five league matches, with a run of WWDWW.
The next test is scheduled for 25 October, when Gent host fifth-placed Anderlecht at home. The full standings and upcoming fixtures schedule are available online. The top scorer this season is Josue Vergara with three goals.
Read the full report at voetbalfocus.be
