Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge on and what time does it start? Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge will take place on Sunday 30th July, 2023 – 12:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge in the UK? Antwerp vs Cercle Brugge will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
ANTWERP
Last season was, frankly, ridiculous for Royal Antwerp. Mark van Bommel’s Reds began the season with nine successive victories but then went through a mid-season slump which made it seem as though they may even miss out on the top four. However, they rallied towards the end of the season and somehow won the Jupiler Pro League title with the last kick of the season as Toby Alderweireld struck from outside of the box to move them back to the top-of-the-table and win the title for the first time since 1957.
CERCLE BRUGGE
Cercle Brugge finished the 2022/23 Jupiler Pro League campaign by squeezing themselves into the top eight and the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff places, eventually missing out to Gent by some distance. Miron Muslic, their former assistant manager, remains in charge for the 2023/24 campaign as they seek a similar finish. The visitors face a very tough opening day test, though, as they travel to the reigning champions.
THE PREDICTED LINE-UPS
ANTWERP
Royal Antwerp have a fair few injuries. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Bjorn Engels, Ortwin De Wolf and Kobe Corbanie are unavailable for van Bommel, but he will be hoping to have Vincent Janssen back after he missed the Super Cup last week. Gaston Avila is suspended due to his red card in that match.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Butez; Bataille, De Laet, Alderweireld, Vines; Vermeeren, Yusuf; Kerk, Scott, Balikwisha; Janssen
UNAVAILABLE: Ekkelenkamp (Injured), Engels (Injured), De Wolf (Injured), Corbanie (Injured), Avila (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
CERCLE BRUGGE
Cercle Brugge’s Miron Muslic generally prefers a three at the back system, whether that be 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1. Muslic is fortunate as Cercle look set to begin the season with a fully available squad.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Delanghe; Popovic, Daland, Ravych; Siquet, Lopes, Francis, Deman; Somers, Ueda, Denkey
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The reigning Belgian champions, who have already won some silverware with the Super Cup this season, will be expecting to start to the campaign with a bit of a bang. Royal Antwerp were fast starters last season but they were unconvincing in their performance against Mechelen last week, requiring a penalty shootout. Cercle Brugge will pose a threat to Antwerp but a home win is expected in this one.
TIP: ANTWERP TO WIN
