Royal Antwerp and Anderlecht are set to face off this Sunday in what promises to be an exciting Belgian Pro League clash at Bosuilstadion. Both teams aim to maintain their winning starts to the 2024-25 season after narrow victories in their opening fixtures.
Antwerp secured a 1-0 away win against Sporting Charleroi, while Anderlecht also achieved a 1-0 victory at home against St Truiden.
Team Form
Royal Antwerp
Antwerp enters this match in strong form, having shown impressive performances in their pre-season friendlies against KV Mechelen and Brondby.
They carried this momentum into their first league match, securing a win thanks to an early goal by Vincent Janssen.
The team finished third in the Pro League last season, and with new additions like Denis Odoi, they are looking to build on their home record where they won 10 out of 20 fixtures last season.
Anderlecht
Anderlecht also kicked off their season with a win, albeit in a more dramatic fashion.
Despite dominating possession and limiting their opponents’ chances, they needed a late goal from Mario Stroeykens to seal the victory.
Anderlecht’s away form last season was solid, losing only five out of 20 matches, and they aim to continue this trend.
New signing Jan-Carlo Simic is expected to bolster their defence significantly.
Team News
Royal Antwerp
Antwerp will be without Bjorn Engels due to ongoing hamstring issues.
However, the defensive pairing of Zeno Van Den Bosch and Toby Alderweireld, who helped secure a clean sheet last week, is expected to continue.
The team is also missing Francis Amuzu on the left flank due to a knee injury.
Anderlecht
Anderlecht faces several injury concerns. Thorgan Hazard is out until December with a cruciate ligament injury, and Marco Kana remains doubtful after missing pre-season due to an injury.
Despite these setbacks, Anderlecht will rely on experienced players like Jan Vertonghen and new signing Kasper Dolberg to lead the attack.
Prediction
Both teams have started the season strongly and will be eager to avoid defeat. Antwerp’s solid home form and Anderlecht’s strong away performance suggest a closely contested match.
Considering both side's defensive strengths, a 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome.
Antwerp FC 
