Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Following a midweek loss to Genk, Anderlecht will look to return to winning ways in the Jupiler League when they welcome Charleroi to their Lotto Park on Matchday 8. The capital club suffered a dip in form, but they are still seen as favourites to beat Charleroi in front of home fans. Talented forward Samuel Edozie limped off with injury in the last league match, with Nilson Angulo likely to step up. Star players Thorgan Hazard and Jan Vertonghen are both sidelines with injuries.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, aim to build on a 3-0 win over Beerschot VA, but given their difficulties on the road, home win should be considered. You should bear in mind that Charleroi were beaten by both Mechelen and Royale Union SG in their last two away games in the Belgian top flight. Last time out Anderlecht defeated Charleroi 2-1 in Brussels. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Thorgan Hazard):
While his brother Eden Hazard stars for Chelsea, Thorgan Hazard plays for Borussia Monchengladbach in Bundesliga. Thorgan was born in La Louviere, Belgium on 29 march, 1993 and he played for the likes of Royal Stade Brainois, Tubize and Lens during his youth career.
Hazard made 14 appearances for Lens before joining Chelsea in 2012. He did not make his Chelsea debut as he was immediately sent on loan to Zulte Waregem, where he scored 17 goals in 73 league appearances for the club. On 5 July, 2014 he signed a loan deal with Borussia Monchengladbach and in February, 2015 he signed a permanent contract with the Bundesliga outfit. The Belgian midfielder made his first start for the club on 24 September, 2014 against Hamburg.
Speaking of his international career, Thorgan Hazard made his Belgium debut on 29 May, 2013 in a 4-2 win over USA. He has 15 caps for Belgium U21 and he scored nine goals in 15 appearances for the team. His full name is Thorgan Ganael Francis Hazard.
Highlighted Team (Anderlecht):
Founded on 27 May, 1908, Anderlecht are considered one of the oldest clubs in Belgium. The Paars-wit are the dominant force in the Belgian Pro League and in 2014 they won their 33rd domestic trophy. Anderlecht did remarkably well to win the UEFA Super Cup title in 1983, with the team defeating Benfica in the final of the competition.
The Belgian outfit recorded a 1-0 over the Eagles in the first leg, with the two teams playing out a 1-1 draw in the return leg. Anderlecht play their home games at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, the venue that was opened in 1917. The stadium was renovated in 1983 and current capacity of Anderlecht’s home ground is 28 063.
The Paars-wit have long-standing rivalries with the likes of Standard Liege and Club Brugge, whilst FC Brussels were considered the club’s bitter opponents in the past. The likes of Besnik Hasi, Lucas Biglia, Filip De Wilde and Romelu Lukaku are some of Anderlecht’s notable players.