Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Expect an electrifying atmosphere at Stade Joseph Marien when St Gilloise and Club Brugge lock horns in the Jupiler League derby on Sunday. Royale Union SG faced no difficulties in a 3-1 win over Westerlo, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against the title holders. A man to watch in the home team will be Franjo Ivanovic, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend, while the likes of Francois, Teklab, and Traore continue to miss out with injuries.
The reigning champions, on the other hand, defeated Genk 2-0 at the weekend, but it has to be noted that the visitors failed to convert a penalty at 0-0. Considering that St. Gilloise are tough to beat at home, we do not believe that Hans Vanaken and Co. are capable of collecting more than one point from the derby. Denmark winger should be recalled to Club Brugge’s starting XI after scoring as a substitute in the last league match, while defender Bjorn Meijer remains in the treatment room.
Highlighted Player (Hans Vanaken):
Hans Vanaken is a Belgian footballer who was born in Neerpelt on August 24, 1992. Hans Vanaken is a product of PSV football academy, joining the club at the age of 10, but in 2008 he joined Lommel United. The Belgian midfielder continued wearing the green shirt at senior level, scoring 21 goals in 80 appearances for the club in the league.
In 2013 he moved to Lokeren and after spending two seasons at Daknamstadion, he signed a deal with famous Belgian team Club Brugge. Vanaken has established himself as one of the team’s key players and he is likely to play an important role in the Jan Breydel Stadium outfit in the 2019/2020 Europa League season.
His main position is attacking midfielder, but he is used as both central midfielder and left midfielder as well. He has a contract with Club Brugge until June 30, 2024.
Highlighted Team (Club Brugge):
Founded in 1891, Belgium giants Club Brugge are one of the most decorated football clubs in the country. Also known as Blauw-Zwart due to their Blue and Black colours, Club Brugge have been crown champions of Belgium on 14 occasions which is second to Anderlecht.
Through their long-lasting history Club Brugge have enjoyed fair amount of European success.to this day in football history Club Brugge holds the European record number of consecutive participation in the UEFA Europa league – 20. The Blauw-Zwart have reached two European finals and two semi-finals so far. What is more, Club Brugge are the only Belgian side ever to play in the final of the European Cup so far, losing to Liverpool in the 1978 season.
Two years prior, Club Brugge lost the 1976 UEFA Cup Final to the same rivals. Club Brugge play their home games at the Jan Breydel Stadium, which is also home to city rivals Cercle Brugge. The two sides form a formidable rivalry contested in the Bruges Derby.