Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
All eyes will be on Bosuilstadion when Antwerp and Royale Union SG face each other in the Jupiler League derby on Thursday. Antwerp desperately needed a win against Cercle Brugge and they managed to get one, with the team putting an end to their three-game losing run. Goalkeeper Jean Butez remains on the sidelines with a broken hand, while defender Bjorn Engels faces race against the clock to be fit for the midweek clash.
The visitors, on the other hand, finished the regular season in top position, but they are on a four-game losing run in the Championship group. Anyhow, both teams to score betting option should be considered as both sides will go for a win in the midweek clash. You should know that both sides managed to find the net in each of the previous three meetings between the two sides. Defender Fedde Leysen should be the only absentee in the away team.
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.