Antwerp vs Kortrijk Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Antwerp vs Kortrijk on and what time does it start? Antwerp vs Kortrijk will take place on Friday 11th August, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Antwerp vs Kortrijk? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Antwerp vs Kortrijk in the UK? Antwerp vs Kortrijk will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
ANTWERP
Mark van Bommel took charge at Bousilstadion at the start of the 2022/23 campaign and the former Wolfsburg boss and Netherlands captain began his spell in charge with some exceptional form. They enjoyed nine successive victories at the start of the season and sat at the top-of-the-table for a chunk of the campaign. However, some inconsistent form throughout the rest of the season meant they had to settle for third place in the regular season. They then went on to win the 2022/23 title in dramatic fashion with Toby Alderweireld scoring from outside the area deep into second-half stoppage-time in that match.
Over the summer, the main success has been keeping hold of number goalkeeper Jean Butez, who had been the subject of interest from both Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion. Generally, though, it has been a quiet summer with very few incomings, despite the frustrating departure of Willian Pacho to Eintracht Frankfurt. They began this season with a slender 1-0 win, in the style of a van Bommel team, but followed that up with a deflating 1-0 loss in Brussels away to Anderlecht last weekend.
KORTRIJK
Last season, Kortrijk narrowly avoided relegation, finishing the 2022/23 Jupiler Pro League campaign in 14th place, just four points above Oostende who were in the bottom three and the relegation places. Given the fact that the league has been reduced from 18 to 16 teams and only one of those 16 teams are newly-promoted, the visitors are likely to find themselves struggling against the drop for much of the campaign.
Under the management of Edward Still, the brother of Stade Reims boss Will Still, Kortrijk have begun the 2023/24 season with back-to-back defeats but in very different, and therefore worrying, fashion. They began the campaign with a 3-2 loss away to likely title challengers Gent, which was sandwiched between Gent’s UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie against MSK Zilina, and then they followed that up with a lacklustre and underwhelming 1-0 defeat at home to Sint-Truiden last weekend.
THE PREDICTED LINE-UPS
ANTWERP
Mark van Bommel has preferred a 4-2-3-1 system throughout his managerial career, although that is quite a flexible system with it also appearing like a 4-4-1-1 at times on the pitch due to the gaps between midfield and attack – which is a criticism of his side at times for being overly reactive and defensive in their style.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder is blessed with a fully fit and available squad this weekend so, despite their loss at Anderlecht last weekend, they are expected name an unchanged side for this encounter.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Butez; De Laet, Alderweireld, Van Den Bosch, Bataille; Yusuf, Vermeeren; Muja, Ondreijka, Balikwisha; Janssen
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
KORTRIJK
Much like his brother, Edward Still has gained a reputation for a flexible and progressive, innovative style of management but the Belgian-born boss does prefer a 4-2-3-1 system and, given that there are no injuries or suspensions, the visitors are expected to name an unchanged side from their loss at home to St Truiden last week.
The recent arrival of forward Isaak Davies on loan from Championship club Cardiff City could mean one change in attack but it remains unlikely that the Welshman can displace one of Abdelkahar Kadri, Felipe Avenatti or Dylan Mbayo.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Vandenberghe; Wasinski, Silva, Radovanovic, Oprut; Mehssatou, Montegnies; Mbayo, Bruno, Kadri; Avenatti
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Despite having started with an opening day victory, it has been a very underwhelming beginning to this campaign for the reigning champions. The home team edged past a Cercle Brugge side that will, admittedly, have eyes on a top eight finish this season but their lacklustre performances, something that is not necessarily common in Belgian top-flight football will concern some. However, they now face a Kortrijk side that are expected to battle against the drop throughout the campaign and have started in exactly that sort of manner. So, a low-scoring Antwerp victory seems the most likely of outcomes for this one.
TIP: ANTWERP TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
