Bitesize Prediction: Royale Union vs Antwerp – 09/05/24

Competition: Belgian Cup Final

Market: Royale Union win

Odds: 19/20 @ 1xBet

With this season’s Belgian Cup up for grabs on Thursday afternoon, Royale Union will meet Antwerp at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Starting with Royale Union, while the Brussels-based outfit might have opened April in the midst of a real rut, Alexander Blessin’s men do appear to have turned a recent corner. Sat firmly in the driving seat to punch another European finish this season, the former Genoa boss has seen his squad collect seven points from their previous three Pro League appearances. With their sights now firmly set on getting their hands on a first Belgian Cup since way back in 1914, the Yellows will also be excited by a rampant record against Thursday’s opponents. In fact, Les Unionistes secured consecutive victories against Antwerp last month by an aggregate score of 7-1. Making a major statement on April 25th as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp at the Bosuilstadion, Blessing will certainly be demanding a repeat performance here. It should also be highlighted, Royale Union are unbeaten in all of their previous five straight showdowns against the Reds.

As for Antwerp, although Mark van Bommel’s men might have made real history last season as they claimed a first Pro League crown since 1957, the Reds have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Only just limping their way to a top-half finish among Belgium’s elite this year, the former Dutch icon has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders at the Bosuilstadion. Last seen putting in another downbeat performance as they suffered a 2-1 loss at home against Club Brugge, Antwerp have lost all of their previous three domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2. Likewise, van Bommel’s side have lost six of their seven showdowns against top-flight opposition since returning from March’s international break. Continuing to show a string of defensive issues, the former Wolfsburg boss will be bracing himself for another heavyweight challenge here. Losing back-to-back appearances against Royale Union last month, Antwerp are rightfully pencilled in as an underdog contender on Thursday afternoon.

Bet: Royale Union 19/20 to beat Antwerp in Thursday’s Belgian Cup Final @ 1xBet