Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Antwerp will be looking to put an end to their three-game winless run in the Jupiler League when they take on Charleroi in Sunday’s matinee. The reigning champions experienced all sorts of problems at the back in their last game of 2023, with the team suffering a 3-0 loss at Genk, but they are surely capable of matching Charleroi at their Bosuilstadion. Goalkeeper Ortwin de Wolf has joined fellow Jupiler League side Zulte Waregem, while midfielder Yusuf Abdullahi is on international duty. Pacey forward Ange Balikwisha has yet to overcome a knee injury.
Les Zebres, on the other hand, did well to beat Mechelen 3-1 in their last league match, with the team regaining a much-needed confidence. When the two teams met in the Belgian Cup in early December Antwerp outplayed Charleroi 5-2 and we predict that history is going to repeat itself. Jonas Bager serves a one-game ban due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
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.