Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi on and what time does it start? Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi will take place on Sunday 27th August, 2023 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi in the UK? Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
ANDERLECHT
Under the management of former Brentford assistant coach Brian Riemer, Anderlecht reached the last eight of the UEFA Europa Conference League but maintained some underwhelming league form, eventually finishing in the bottom-half of the table. After an ambitious summer, which has included the arrival of former Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg, they will be expecting a much-improved campaign this time around.
The Brussels club began the season with a 2-0 loss against their city rivals Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in late-July. They have since enjoyed three successive victories, though, with back-to-back 1-0 wins against reigning champions Royal Antwerp and then Sint-Truiden being followed up with a 2-1 win at home to an exciting and always attacking Westerlo side in their most recent outing, last weekend.
SPORTING CHARLEROI
Mid-way through the first-half of last season, before the break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, former Anderlecht and Union SG boss Felice Mazzu returned to Charleroi to guide them to a mid-table finish. They would have expected to build upon that this season and finish in the top eight but their start to the season will be very concerning.
It will be concerning because, primarily, the reduction of the league from 18 to 16 teams over the summer means the competitiveness of those down at the bottom end of the table leaves very little room for poor runs of form. Charleroi have collected three points in their opening four matches and remain winless. 1-1 draw at home to OH Leuven and Standard, in which they had a man sent off in both games, have accompanied a respectable point against an underperforming Genk side away from home and a 2-0 loss in Brugge against Cercle.
THE TEAM NEWS
ANDERLECHT
Brian Riemer is without some genuinely key players with Anders Dreyer out this weekend due to suspension, as well as Majeed Ashimeru and Yari Verschaeren with injuries. Michael Murillo is also a doubt due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Dupe; Sardella, Debast, Vertonghen, N’Diaye; Rits, Diawara, Leoni; Flips, Dolberg, Raman
UNAVAILABLE: Dreyer (Suspended), Ashimeru (Injured), Verschaeren (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Murillo (Injured)
SPORTING CHARLEROI
Sporting Charleroi also have several injuries for this weekend with key man Mauro Ihaimaharitra out due to suspension. They have several doubts for this weekend with two players, Stefan Knezevic and Romeo Monticelli, definitely out.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Koffi; Bager, Marcq, Andreou; Rogelj, Morioka, Zorgane, Mbenza; Heymans; Bernier, Badji
UNAVAILABLE: Ihaimaharitra (Suspended), Knezevic (Injured), Monticelli (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Tshiend (Injured), Van Cleemput (Injured), Benbouali (Injured), Tchatchoua (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Anderlecht are looking to build on a few seasons of transition and underperformance. They appeared like they would continue with that theme in the first game of this season but now, with three successive victories, do look like a side that can finally string some results together. They face a Charleroi side that, under Felice Mazzu, are dramatically underperforming as they remain winless after four matches. Given the form of the home sides, as well as the fact that this match is being played in Brussels, Anderlecht are the favourites for this one.
TIP: ANDERLECHT TO WIN
