Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Antwerp will look to stay in the title race when they face Waregem at Elindus Arena on Friday evening. The Reds suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to Charleroi before the international break, but it has to be noted that they failed to turn their dominance into goals. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team, but both Vincent Janssen and Bjorn Engels remain in the recovery room. Forward Calvin Stengs is a major doubt.
The hosts, on the other hand, aim to escape the relegation zone, but given their poor form in the Belgian top flight, home win should not be considered. Earlier this season Antwerp defeated Waregem thanks to Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s goal, and we predict that history is going to repeat itself. With no fresh injury worries to report, M’Baye Leye is unlikely to make changes to the team that shared the spoils with Standard Liege on Matchday 30.
Highlighted Team (Antwerp):
Founded back in 1880, Antwerp is one of the oldest clubs in Belgium. The Great Old welcome their rivals at Bosuilstadion, the venue with the capacity of 16,144 people. Antwerp are well known for their red home kits, with the team wearing white shirts and white jerseys when playing on the travels.
Over the years Antwerp have been trying to close the gap between Belgian giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge, but they have yet to win the title in the recent history. The Great Old clinched their first domestic trophy back in 1929, with the team repeating the success two years later. The third and the fourth titles came in 1944 and 1957 respectively.
Beerschot A.C. are considered the club’s fiercest rivals, but they have a rivalry with Club Brugge as well. The club chiefs had a long-term partnership with famous English club Manchester United in the past, with Antwerp taking young footballers on loan to Old Trafford.