Prediction: Antwerp vs Anderlecht

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 27/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Antwerp host Anderlecht in the derby game of the second round from Jupiler Pro League following a perfect start to this campaign. While both teams won their opening games, a tough contest between the former Belgian champions is expected to occur at Bosuilstadion on Sunday afternoon where over 16, 000 fans are keen to witness the local side’s second success.

Antwerp

Antwerp managed to end Clubb Brugge’s recent dominance in Belgian’s top flight after surprisingly winning the title at the end of 2023. Although the Reds finished the regular season 3rd behind leaders Genk, an excellent run in the championship play-off brought the title to Antwerp. Despite being seen as the underdog in front of Genk and Royale Union SG, a nearly perfect play-off (W3D1L1) was enough to finish top, one point above their main opponents, following a last-day drama.

However, last season’s lack of consistency with too many points dropped unexpectedly made defending their title impossible since the Reds finished the regular season bottom in the championship group. This unexpected fall with eight defeats from 10 games led Antwerp to miss European football this time.

The last season’s disappointment ended with manager Mark van Bommel resigning and the club appointing Jonas de Roeck as his successor. The new boss failed to make an impression in pre-season after winning a pair of games from five. Despite questions about his potential to bring Antwerp back to the top of Belgian football, the new coach brushed away all uncertainties with a debut championship win at Charleroi.

Even if Stade du Pays de Charleroi is notoriously known to be a difficult ground to play at, the Reds edged the visitors with an early strike by Vincent Janssen. While the victory propelled Antwerp to the top of the table separated by other competitors on the goal difference, Jonas de Roeck’s team escaped the scare after Charleroi had five shots on target.

Team News

Centre-back Bjorn Engels is the sole unavailable player from Antwerp’s camp. The experienced defender has been out since October 2023 and is unlikely to return soon after suffering an Achilles heel injury. Playing in front of their fans, the 4-3-2-1 setup dispatched by Jonas de Roeck aims to make an impression in the first game under his command at home ground.

Anderlecht

Anderlecht’s end of last season had the capital team settle for a Europa League table position after narrowly missing qualification in the Champions League play-offs. Despite a strong recovery run, the visitors settled for 3rd place, four points behind champions Clubb Bruge.

With the summer break over, the Purple Whites impressed in their pre-season tour after winning 5 of their 6 games. While these games are the perfect opportunity to shape the starting line-up, Anderlecht approached these matches on a serious note by defeating top teams like Wolfsburg and PSV.

Although Brian Reimer’s team was expected to make a statement in their bid for the Belgian title, following the impressive results during the pre-season, Anderlecht struggled in their opening game against Saint Truiden. However, despite dominating their opponent from 1st minute, Anderlecht lost its accuracy in front of the opposition’s box displayed in the friendly matches.

Still, young and talented hitman Mario Stroykens broke the deadlock in stoppage time with a perfect strike that gave Anderlecht the best start of their Jupiler Pro League campaign. Although facing Antwerp away from home will be the first difficult task, the hosts are keen to replicate the 2022 performance when they hammered the Reds (4-0).

Team News

Head coach Brian Reimer faces problems in the attacking line after two of his Left-wingers are sidelined. Young and talented player Francis Amuzu joined the experienced Thorgan Hazard in the recovery room, a difficult situation that leaves the Danish manager with limited options on the left flank.

Key factors to consider

• Antwerp failed to qualify for European football after finishing bottom in last season’s championship group play-off
• The hosts secured a narrow win in the first round (1-0 at Charleroi)
• Jonas de Roeck’s team defeated Anderlecht 3-1 in the last game played at Bosuilstadion
• Anderlecht impressed in the pre-season friendlies by defeating Wolfsburg and PSV
• The visitors won their opening Belgian championship game (1-0 against St. Truiden)

Conclusion

With the season starting last weekend and both teams being at a high level, a full-time result is more difficult to predict this time. However, considering the upfront quality on the pitch, both teams scoreing looks is the better choice.

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 27/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet