Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
All eyes will be on Bosuilstadion when Antwerp and Club Brugge square off against each other in the Jupiler League derby. Following five consecutive league wins, Antwerp suffered a 2-1 loss to Waregem in their last league match. The Great Old aim to get back on course as soon as possible, and we are positive that they will adopt an attack-minded approach in Sunday’s clash. Both Aurelio Buta and Radja Nainggolan remain in the recovery room, while Bruny Nsimba and Sander Coopman are major doubts.
Club Brugge, on the other hand, faced no difficulties in a 2-0 win over Kortrijk. Even though the title holders failed to impress in a heavy 5-1 loss to Man City in midweek, we predict that they will find the net in Sunday’s derby. Taking everything into account, both teams to score betting option should be considered. Talented forward Ruben Providence should be the only absentee in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Lior Refaelov):
Lior Refaelov is an Israeli footballer playing as an attacking midfielder for the Belgium giants with whom he has been a mainstay since his arrival in 2011. Rafaelov began his career at Maccabi Haifa where he played 161 league appearances and scored 30 goals before moving to Belgium.
The experienced 30-year-old Israel international has made his senior debut for his country in 2007 and has since earned over 30 caps for Israel. Lior Rafaelov is a player of vast international experience despite the fact Club Brugge are his first and so far only club in Europe.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is a major force upfront who has scored six times during Brugge’s Europa League campaign in 2014-15, while he also scored the winner in the Belgian Cup final to earn his club a first trophy in eight years. Last season Rafaleov repeated the feat, having scored in the 2016 Belgian Cup Final, but it wasn’t enough for Club Brugge to avoid getting defeated 2-1 to Standard Liege.
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.