Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Cercle Brugge will look to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Royale Union SG when they take on Antwerp in the Jupiler League round 17. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team, while France midfielder Yann Gboho should be recalled to the starting XI. Miron Muslic is likely to stick to the 3-4-2-1 formation. Antwerp, on the other hand, recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leuven in their last league match, with Michel-Ange Balikwisha scoring a beautiful winner.
The 22-year-old forward will be the man to watch in the away team, while midfielder Anthony Valencia remains on the sidelines with injury. Anyhow, the share of spoils is on the cards at Jan Breydel Stadion and we are tempted to put our money on draw. It has to be noted that under 2.5 goals have been netted in five of the previous six meetings between the two sides.
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.