Prediction: Royale Union SG vs Beerschot

Verdict: AH Royale Union (-1.5)

Best odds: 73/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Following a slow start in the Jupiler Pro League that saw Royale Union dropping two points in the first round, the former Belgian Champions are keen to find the winning way when they host Friday night Berschoot VA. The game will be played at Stade Joseph Marien where over 9, 000 fans hope to see a better outcome from their favourites.

Royale Union SG

A heartbreaking last season that culminated with Royale Union losing the Belgian championship title in the last round, despite dominating the Jupiler Pro League during the entire time, was one of the most exciting finale witnessed in recent Belgian football.

Although Union SG defeated Genk in the last game, Clubb Brugge’s goalless stalemate against local rivals Cercle Brugge was enough to send the title in Bruge, ending Royale Union’s hope to regain the championship crown for the first time since 1935. However, the visitors’ rise in Belgian football is obvious since Les Unionistes finished runners-up twice in the last three seasons.

While losing the title race to Clubb Bruge was a massive disappointment for the entire club, the Saint Gilloise side managed to avenge the title loss by defeating the current champions in the Belgian Super Cup. A perfect setup with four friendly games before the Super Cup clash had the hosts reaching their peak before facing the foes from Brugge.

Royale Union was on the front foot from the 1st minute, a dominant display that culminated with a 2-goal lead before the 50-minute mark. Although the current champions reduced the deficit late in the game, the Saint Gilloise side defended their lead bringing the first trophy this season.

However, in spite of ending their new season preparations with a 4-3 win against Challenger Pro League side Lierse SK, Royale Union stumbled in the championship opening round needing to settle for a draw (0-0) at Dender. A home match against Beerschot might be the perfect opportunity to bounce back from the first-round disappointment as the crucial Champions League clash against Sparta Praga is looming.

Team News

Freshly installed at the helm of Royale Union SG, the pressure is already mounting on manager Sebastien Pocognoli. The young coach needs to get his team back to winning ways against Beerschoot. Although his side is tipped to get all the points at stake, he must adjust the defensive line as centre-backs Christian Burges and Ross Sykes join Kamiel Van De Perre in the recovery room.

Beerschot

Following a sensational season that culminated with Beerschot’s return to Belgium’s first-stage football after spending two seasons in the Second Division, the visitors aim to maintain their Jupiler Pro League status at the end of this term.

Although the pre-season matches raised more questions than answers after losing the first two games, against Mechelen (2-1) and AEK Athens (3-0), the last test with OFI Crete (3-1 win) was the perfect way to end the preparations before the Jupiler Pro League debut.

The visitors maintained their previous season’s level after successfully achieving promotion by winning the Challenger Pro League with two games to spare. Being familiar with Belgian’s top flight, Beerschot adapted quickly to the new demands in the first game when they hosted Leuven. Although the visitors were favoured to win three points, according to bookies, Dirk Kuyit’s team left the pitch undefeated by stopping Leuven’s attacking power.

Furthermore, Beerschoot aims to improve on their last Stade Joseph Marien visit when they suffered one of the heaviest defeats in recent times, after a complete surrender (5-0 final score). Following the Royale Union clash, the visitors will have another difficult test on the road at Cercle Brugge before returning home to host Genk.

Team News

Centre forward Ayouba Kosiah has been out since September 2023 following a cruciate ligament tear. His recovery is progressing slowly, with a September return being the most optimistic forecast. Facing one of the best teams in the Belgian championship, Dutch manager Dirk Kuyit is expected to set up a defensive lineup and explore counter-attacking opportunities.

Key factors to consider

• Royale Union SG is undefeated in the last 15 games (including friendlies)
• Despite winning the Belgian Super Cup, the hosts had to settle with a point in the opening Jupiler League game played away at newly promoted Dender
• Beerschot returned to Belgian’s top flight in great style after winning the Challenger League
• The visitors won a point in their opening game played at home against Leuven (0-0)

Conclusion

Although Royale Union SG missed the target in the first round, hosting the newly promoted Beerschot might be the perfect opportunity to calibre their aim. Having great quality upfront, we predict a comfortable win for the hosts who are keen to climb in the standings.

Verdict: AH Royale Union (-1.5)

Best odds: 73/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet