Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Mechelen
Match Time & Date:
13/12/2024
20:45
Prediction: 1-1
Antwerp
Friday’s clash between Mechelen and Antwerp will open round 18 of the new Jupiler League campaign. Mechelen suffered a shocking elimination to Beerschot in the Belgian Cup, while losing to both Kortrijk and Club Brugge in the last two league matches and, no doubt, they face yet another tough challenge against Antwerp. Experienced forward Benito Raman is pushing for a start after scoring as a substitute in a 2-1 loss to Club Brugge, while all Daam Foulon, Nikola Storm, and Jules Van Cleemput are out of contention with injuries.
The visitors, on the other hand, aim to recover from a shocking 3-1 loss to Charleroi. As both Antwerp and Mechelen will go for a victory in Friday’s encounter, we are tempted to put our money on both teams to score. Former Club Brugge man Denis Odoi is back from suspension, but first-choice centre-forward Vincent Janssen serves a one-game ban, speaking of the visiting team.
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.
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