JPL Play-Offs: Anderlecht & Gent to Top 6? Analysts Predict Final Day Drama | DAZN Belgium

The final matchday of the Belgian Pro League’s regular season is set for this Sunday, with all games kicking off simultaneously to determine the final two participants in the Champions’ Play-Offs. Analysts Guillaume Gillet and Tim Matthys offered their predictions, highlighting a tense finish to the competition.

Recent results have already shaped the landscape for Play-Off I. AA Gent’s victory on Friday effectively eliminated Sporting Charleroi and Antwerp FC from contention before they even took to the pitch, while KVC Westerlo’s defeat against Club Brugge sealed their fate. KV Mechelen secured their place in the top four, adding to the drama unfolding as the season nears its climax.

The Race for the Final Two Spots

This Sunday will see the last two Champions’ Play-Off berths decided, with four teams still mathematically in the running. RSC Anderlecht currently holds the strongest position. A single point at home against Cercle Brugge, already relegated to the Relegation Play-Offs, would be sufficient to guarantee their place. Even a loss wouldn’t necessarily be disastrous for RSCA.

Anderlecht boasts a goal difference of +5, providing a significant cushion in the event of a tie. Alongside Anderlecht, AA Gent controls its own destiny. A win against bottom-of-the-table FCV Dender is all the Buffalo’s need to secure their spot in the Play-Offs. KRC Genk, however, faces a more challenging path, requiring a victory at La Louvière and hoping for a slip-up from AA Gent to sneak into the top six.

Could a Last-Minute Twist Occur?

Should Anderlecht lose, Racing Genk could potentially draw level on points. However, with a goal difference of -1, Genk would likely fall short. Standard Liège, while still mathematically possible, faces an extremely improbable scenario. Gillet believes the top six is all but settled. “I predict that Anderlecht and Gent will take the final tickets for the Champions’ Play-Offs,” he stated on DAZN.

Matthys, however, anticipates a more dramatic finale. “I’m sticking to my prediction from a few weeks ago. I expect Anderlecht in fourth place and KV Mechelen in fifth. And then… something always happens, so I suppose Racing Genk will similarly be there,” he cautioned, suggesting a potential upset for AA Gent.

The stakes are high as the Belgian Pro League heads into its final regular season matchday. The Champions’ Play-Offs promise an exciting conclusion to the season, with the top teams battling for the league title. For teams like Genk, a combination of their own performance and favorable results elsewhere will be crucial. The current format, where teams carry over points from the regular season into the Play-Offs, adds another layer of complexity to the calculations.

As of March 20, 2026, the confirmed teams for the Champions’ Play-Offs are Racing Genk (34 points), Club Brugge (30 points), Union (28 points), Anderlecht (26 points), and Antwerp (23 points). AA Gent (23 points) and KRC Genk are vying for the final spot. The goal difference rule could prove decisive if teams finish level on points, making every goal scored this weekend potentially critical.

The pressure is particularly on Anderlecht, who have the most straightforward path to qualification. A win against Cercle Brugge would alleviate any concerns, while a draw or even a loss could still be enough depending on the outcome of other matches. AA Gent, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and secure a victory against FCV Dender to cement their place in the Play-Offs.

For fans, this final matchday promises a thrilling spectacle. The combination of high stakes, potential upsets, and the intricate calculations involved makes for a captivating conclusion to the regular season. The outcome will not only determine the participants in the Champions’ Play-Offs but also shape the landscape for the remainder of the Belgian Pro League season.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the Champions’ Play-Offs will commence, featuring a double round-robin format where each team plays every other team twice. The team with the most points at the end of the Play-Offs will be crowned champions of Belgium. The remaining teams will compete in separate Play-Offs for European qualification and to avoid relegation.

The next confirmed action is the start of the Champions’ Play-Offs following this Sunday’s final regular season matchday. Fans can stay updated on the latest results and standings on the official Belgian Pro League website and through various sports news outlets.

What are your predictions for the final two Champions’ Play-Off spots? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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