Jupiler Pro League: Between Hasi’s debut and a promising "topper" to kick off the playoffs, here’s why everyone is waiting for this Club Brugge - Anderlecht clash.

They’re finally here! Two weeks after the end of the regular season, the playoffs are about to kick off. After a long international break filled with Nations League games and World Cup qualifiers, Jupiler Pro League fans can finally get excited again.

Of course, as a warm-up this Saturday, we’ll have a thrilling Union-Antwerp match. Union topped the regular season standings for the past two years but always came up short in the end. Will the Brussels side finally clinch the title despite starting the playoffs in third place?

While that will be one of the key storylines over the next 20 matches, all eyes will be on Club Brugge vs. Anderlecht this Sunday at Jan Breydel. It’s Besnik Hasi’s first match in charge after replacing David Hubert. Here’s everything you need to know about this topper to bet smartly on GoldenVegas Sport.

*Odds may be subject to change. Event ends: March 30 at 13:30.

A puzzling coaching change

No one saw it coming. When Anderlecht announced last week that David Hubert had been dismissed and replaced by Besnik Hasi, it took a double take to believe the news. How could Olivier Renard make such a move right after a convincing 3-0 win against Cercle and with a Belgian Cup final vs. Club Brugge in just a month?

"On Sunday night, despite the win, I made my decision. I needed to change the dynamic to believe in the top 3 again," explained the sporting director. "The timing might be surprising after a victory, and I know it hurts David who wanted to coach that Cup final."

Renard, in his decade-long career in sporting management, had never faced such a dilemma. "It’s the first time I’ve had to make such a decision. It’s linked to the poor quality of play recently. I was worried about entering the Champions Playoffs with our current football. It would've been easier to stick with Hubert, but I had to be honest with my gut feeling. We had to change to play better. We lost our football."

Sweet 2014 flashbacks

More than the sacking itself, it’s the name of his replacement that stunned fans. Just one month after being fired by Mechelen and almost joining Cercle Brugge, Hasi was surprised to receive Anderlecht’s call. "I’m very happy to be back here," said the new coach. "The president and Olivier Renard asked if I wanted to take charge to improve results and our style of play. I was free and I want to help the club of my heart."

Despite his recent poor run in the Pro League, Hasi has a special history with RSCA—as a player from 2000 to 2005, and as coach in 2014. Back then, he also stepped in right before the Playoffs 1, replacing John van den Brom—and led Anderlecht to their 33rd title.

This time, the squad isn’t as strong. Still, he embraces the opportunity, especially with Kasper Dolberg returning from injury. Will the Danish striker score again after six weeks out?

*Odds may change. Event ends: March 30 at 13:30.

Club Brugge eager to catch up with Genk

The schedule certainly hasn’t been kind to Jan Vertonghen’s teammates, with the defender ruled out this Sunday due to physical issues. From the get-go, Hasi faces a tough challenge away at Club Brugge. The Blauw en Zwart, currently second in the standings, are highly motivated to close the 4-point gap with Genk, the league leaders. At the same time, they enjoy a comfortable lead over Anderlecht.

It’s already shaping up to be a decisive clash—losing could be costly. Like his Anderlecht counterpart, Nicky Hayen will have to manage without some key players. Chemsdine Talbi is out. Who will replace the new Moroccan international? Will it be Ferran Jutglà or Gustaf Nilsson who makes the difference? Could one of these two teams go all the way and lift the trophy at the end of May?

*Odds may change. Event ends: March 29 at 20:45.

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