Anderlecht eye 27th title

RSC Anderlecht head unchallenged into the winter break with an eight-point lead at the top of the Belgian First Division.

Brugge languishing
A 27th league crown looks almost inevitable for the Brussels club, who hold a commanding advantage over second-placed R. Standard de Liège and are 15 points ahead of KRC Genk and a mammoth 18 better off than champions Club Brugge KV, who are languishing in fifth.

Good Kompany
Anderlecht's success has stemmed from coach Hugo Broos willingness to put his faith in youth, with 17-year-old defender Vincent Kompany, who has impressed in the UEFA Champions League and league alike, fast developing into the side's talisman.

New broom
Gilles de Bilde's departure was the first signal that a new broom was sweeping through the Constant Vanden Stock, while a long-term injury to Nenad Jestrovic has allowed Aruna Dindane and Ivica Mornar the time to form a dangerous striking partnership that has already reaped a combined total of 15 goals. The most impressive statistic of all though is the eight wins out of eight Broos's side have accumulated from away games.

Setting the Standard
Standard are the only side to have beaten Anderlecht this season and seem to be the sole obstacle between them and the title. Technical manager Michel Preud'homme's canny acquisition of forwards Sambegou Bangoura, Alexandros Kaklamanos and Emile Mpenza has equipped the side with a touch more flair, while their defence has been the most parsimonious in the division.

Genk coping
Genk have coped relatively well with the loss of key performers such as captain Josip Skoko and strikers Wesley Sonck and Moumouni Dagano with new acquisitions Cédric Roussel and Paul Kpaka proving able replacements.

Mouscron thrive
R. Excelsior Mouscron are just a point behind Genk, with the appointment of former Belgium coach George Leekens looking like a smart piece of business. However the side rely very much on forward Mbo Mpenza, who has been making noises about moving on to a bigger club.

Brugge consolation
The only consolation for fifth-placed Brugge this season is that they are the only remaining Belgian club in Europe, having booked a UEFA Cup third-round berth by coming third in their Champions League group. A relatively kind draw against Debreceni VSC of Hungary has further improved their prospects of a decent campaign in the competition they won in 1983.

Battle for survival
In the lower half of the table several clubs are engaged in a desperate battle for survival. KSC Lokeren OV, who finished third last season, have just 13 points from 17 games this term and their form has not visibly improved since coach Paul Put was replaced by Franky Van der Elst.

Cercle Brugge fare well
In contrast, newly-promoted Cercle Brugge KSV have fared well so far and currently look a good bet to survive. Lying in 12th, the side have benefited from the splendid form of striker Nordin Jbari, whose eight-strike haul so far accounts for 60 per cent of their goals.

Every chance
Fellow newcomers K. Heusden-Zolder will also not be too displeased with their own 13-point haul as they still have every chance of survival. However RAEC Mons and R. Antwerp FC must be desperately disappointed to be 16th and 17th respectively.

Charleroi struggle
Given that they only survived relegation last season because of the bankruptcy of KFC Lommelse SK and KV Mechelen, it is not too much of a surprise to see R. Charleroi SC bringing up the rear with just eleven points. Unless something dramatic happens they look doomed to life in the second division.