Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Top position in the Jupiler League table will be at stake when Antwerp and St Gilloise face each other at Bosuilstadion on Sunday. Antwerp failed to impress in a 2-0 loss to Club Brugge, but despite the defeat, they are still leading the chase for the domestic trophy. All Engels, Haroun, Miyoshi, Verhulst, and Vines should miss out with injuries, while defender Ritchie De Laet should be recalled to the starting XI.
The visitors, on the other hand, played out a 1-1 draw with Genk in their last league match. St Gilloise are eager to climb to the top position, but seeing that Antwerp have turned their Bosuilstadion into a real fortress, we are tempted to put our money on the home side. In their last encounter in the Belgian top flight Antwerp defeated St Gilloise 2-0. Teddy Teuma is sidelined with a hamstring problem, while goalkeeper Lucas Pirard will be assessed ahead of the kick-off.
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.