Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise on and what time does it start? Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise will take place on Friday 4th August, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise in the UK? Standard Liege vs Union Saint-Gilloise will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
STANDARD LIEGE
After the disappointing end to last season, in which performances and results capitulated as their manager, Ronny Deila, left for arch-rivals Club Brugge, Standard expected and do expect a lot more from this campaign. The hosts began the 2023/24 Jupiler Pro League season with a deflating and frustrating 1-0 defeat away to Sint-Truiden. The Reds conceded an 86th minute winner to Aboubakary Koita to heap the pressure on Carl Hoefkens who, with Club Brugge on his managerial CV in the recent past, was and is already fighting an uphill battle for support.
UNION SAINT-GILLOISE
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise can lose several players, as they have this summer like Victor Boniface to Bayer Leverkusen, but maintain a strong and ambitious squad due to their smart recruitment, aided by their affiliation with Brighton and Hove Albion. So, whilst many may struggle losing key players, Union SG will expect another top four finish and they come into this on the back of defeating another member of the so-called ‘big three’. A first-half strike from Dennis Eckert and second-half stoppage-time penalty by Cameron Puertas gave Union SG a 2-0 win over their Brussels rivals, Anderlecht, on the opening day.
THE PREDICTED LINE-UPS
STANDARD LIEGE
Fairly surprisingly, Standard went with a 4-3-3 system last week, whereas Hoefkens often used a three-at-the-back formation whilst with Club Brugge. They continue to be without Gilles Dewaele, due to an ACL injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Bodart; Fossey, Bope, Vanheusden, Barrett; Balikwisha, O’Neill, Price; Donnum, Ohio, Kawabe
UNAVAILABLE: Dewaele (Injury)
QUESTIONABLE:
UNION SAINT-GILLOISE
Alexander Blessin’s Union SG began their season playing their much preferred 3-4-2-1 system and, with no injuries or suspensions, are expected to be unchanged.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Moris; Mac Allister, Burgess, Machida; Nieuwkoop, Vanhoutte, Lynen, Lapoussin; Rasmussen, Puertas; Eckert
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
These two sides are both expected to challenge towards the top end of the table but the hopes of the hosts appear purely due to their club size and reputation. Standard have underperformed for a while now and last season’s top eight finish may well be put down to Ronny Deila. Given that, as well as their strong and impressive start to the campaign last week, a double chance bet in favour of Union SG appears good value for this one.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – UNION SG TO WIN OR DRAW
