Even though the hosts play in a lower division, there is no reason to underestimate the opposition. KFC Merelbeke have successfully progressed through two rounds of the cup against Ninove and Stade Verviétois and are currently second in the 1st Amateur League table.

Opponents with a strong offensive

“Merelbeke’s strength lies in his offensive play,” said Felice Mazzù, explaining: “They have two pacy wingers who are good in one-on-one situations and pose a threat in the penalty area. Added to that is a strong striker and, in Beau Ponnet, a playmaker who sets up his teammates well. As a result, they have scored two to three goals per game so far and are currently second in their league. We need to be prepared for this and take our opponents seriously.”

Balance between substitutes and first-team regulars

When asked whether he would use the cup match to make changes to the starting line-up, Felice Mazzù replied: “In every match, and most recently against RFC Liège, the players who came on as substitutes have added something to our game. That’s why I’m using the cup match to strike a balance between some players who have earned more playing time and the regulars, who are having a good season and form a strong team fighting for promotion.”

Felice Mazzù: “There’s no reason we shouldn’t want to win the cup match”

Felice Mazzù left no doubt as to the importance of the cup: “We are sportsmen and want to win every match whenever possible. There’s no reason not to want to win this cup match as well – for us, for the club and for the fans. Every match we win is a step forward in our development.”

Due to injury, Raphael Di Matteo, Chris-Kévin Nadje, Marco Hiller and Gaëtan Hendrickx are ruled out of the match in Merelbeke. All other players in the first-team squad are fit.