Antwerp vs Eupen Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Antwerp vs Eupen on and what time does it start? Antwerp vs Eupen will take place on Sunday 8th October, 2023 – 15:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Antwerp vs Eupen? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Antwerp vs Eupen in the UK? Antwerp vs Eupen will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
ANTWERP
For the first time in over 50 years, Royal Antwerp were crowned Belgian champions last season, under the management of former Netherlands international midfielder Mark van Bommel. They won in it in exceptionally dramatic circumstances on the final day of the season and then followed that up by qualifying for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League earlier this season.
They led by two goals to nil at home to Shakhtar Donetsk the other day but eventually lost by three goals to two and that has continued their underwhelming 2023/24 campaign so far. In 11 matches across all competitions so far this season, the reigning Belgian champions have managed just three victories.
EUPEN
With the league being reduced from 18 to 16 teams, Eupen are among a group of sides that will be expected to struggle down at the bottom of the table with a more competitive relegation battle. However, the appointment of former Wolfsburg boss Florian Kohfeldt means they have started in a manner beyond their pre-season expectations.
They had began with three victories and a draw in their opening five matches but that good start has quickly ended and they are quickly regressing. They begin the weekend now sitting just outside of the bottom four with their most recent outing, a 3-1 loss at home to Anderlecht, making it four successive defeats for Eupen.
THE TEAM NEWS
ANTWERP
Mark van Bommel has several injury concerns with both Ritchie De Laet and Raphael Onyedika definitely out and the likes of Bjorn Engels a doubt for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Butez; Bataille, Alderweireld, Coulibaly, Wijndal; Keita; Kerk, Vermeeren, Ekkelenkamp, Muja; Janssen
UNAVAILABLE: De Laet (Injured), Onyedika (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Vines (Injured), Corbanie (Injured), Verhulst (Injured), Engels (Injured)
EUPEN
Both Kevin Mohwald and Bartosz Bialek could return from injury in Antwerp but Eupen will definitely be without Amadou Keita, due to his suspension.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Slonina; Paeshuyse, Palsson, Davidson; Magnee, Baiye, Christie-Davies, Van Genechten; Pantovic; Finnbogason, Nuhu
UNAVAILABLE: Keita (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Bialek (Injured), Mohwald (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
This one should really be a foregone conclusion with the defending champions hosting a side expected to battle against the drop this season but it could well be a lot closer than expected. Royal Antwerp were excellent for nearly an hour against Shakhtar Donetsk before folding in midweek and if they continue with that performance level they could well dismantle a Eupen side that have quickly dropped off after a reasonably impressive start to the season. Antwerp should get back to winning ways, especially at home.
TIP: ANTWERP TO WIN
