The Jupiler Pro League moves into Matchweek 5 with a spread of fixtures running from Friday 4 September through to Sunday 6 September 2026. Nine games are on the schedule, and our forecasting model has already analysed the opening contest in detail. It expects the round to begin with a statement of intent from one of Belgium's traditional heavyweights.
The pick of the round: Lommel United vs Club Brugge KV
The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with Lommel United hosting Club Brugge KV. Lommel have collected seven points from their first four outings, a return that looks respectable on the surface. Beneath it, though, the numbers are troubling — they are allowing more than 22 shots per game and creating very little in the final third. That makes for a difficult assignment against a Club Brugge side that dominates the ball and generates an expected goals figure of 2.22 per match.
The model gives a firm call on goals. It projects more than 2.5 in the game and is equally confident that Club Brugge will score first. Brugge's recent record of eight wins in ten outings underpins the medium-confidence call for an away victory, and the underlying shot data suggests Lommel will struggle to keep them out. A 1-2 scoreline is the exact-scoreline long shot the model has produced, but as ever with those speculative calls, it is a very cautious projection.
Saturday
Charleroi vs Union St. Gilloise – The forecast for this one is still to come. It is a meeting of two sides who have shown contrasting early-season form, and the model's full assessment will be published closer to kickoff.
KV Mechelen vs KVC Westerlo – Our projection for this fixture is not yet available. Both teams will be looking to build momentum, and the model will weigh the underlying numbers before issuing its calls.
Standard Liege vs Antwerp – Forecasts are still to be produced for this Saturday tea-time kickoff. The model's analysis will be added as the match draws nearer.
St. Truiden vs RAAL La Louvière – A second simultaneous Saturday evening kickoff. No forecast has been published yet; check back for the full breakdown.
Sunday
Cercle Brugge vs Gent – The Sunday card begins at lunchtime with this one. The model's calls will be released once the relevant data has been processed.
Kortrijk vs Zulte Waregem – Another fixture where the forecast is pending. The round's final afternoon slot will be assessed in the build-up to kickoff.
Anderlecht vs Genk – The headline Sunday clash is still waiting for the model's output. When the forecast lands, it will give the most detailed look at a fixture that could reshape the top end of the table.
SK Beveren vs OH Leuven – The round closes with this encounter. Our model will provide its call ahead of the 17:15 start.
With the season still in its infancy, Matchweek 5 offers a chance for Club Brugge to reinforce their title credentials, while the chasing pack will want to keep pace. A win for Brugge would send a strong signal, but with seven of the nine forecasts still to come, plenty of the round's narrative remains unwritten.
