The Belgian Pro League is never short of drama, and when Royal Antwerp takes on Anderlecht, sparks are bound to fly. These two giants of Belgian football bring intensity, history, and plenty of attacking action to the pitch. But before the whistle blows, let’s take a fun and simple look at what matters most—their lineups, formations, and whether both teams will score (BTTS).
Team Overview
- Royal Antwerp – The reigning champions with a well-organized unit and a few dangerous players up front.
- Anderlecht – The traditional powerhouse, trying hard to reclaim their former glory with a youthful, hungry squad.
Both clubs love to attack, and that’s what makes this match-up so exciting. Let’s dive into their typical formations and see how they set up on the field.
Royal Antwerp Lineup and Formation
Royal Antwerp usually lines up in a 3-5-2 or sometimes a 4-3-3 when they’re feeling ambitious.
Here’s a look at their usual XI:
- Goalkeeper: Jean Butez – Reliable, calm, and great with his feet.
- Defenders: Toby Alderweireld leads the backline with two quick centre-backs beside him.
- Midfield: With five in the middle, they control possession and use wing-backs to stretch play.
- Forwards: Vincent Janssen is the main man. He’s strong, always on the move, and knows how to finish.
The formation allows Antwerp to stay solid at the back but still enjoy freedom going forward. Wing-backs play a huge role in creating chances.
Anderlecht Lineup and Formation
Anderlecht often sticks with a 4-2-3-1 setup. It balances defense and attack, letting them dominate possession while staying safe at the back.
This is usually how they line up:
- Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel – Yes, the Leicester hero! He’s brought class and leadership to the team.
- Defenders: With four at the back, they’re solid but don’t push too high.
- Midfield: Two defensive mids sit deep and break up play, while three attacking mids look to create magic.
- Forward: Thorgan Hazard (yes, Eden’s brother) and Anders Dreyer support the lone striker, often Dolberg.
This formation gives Anderlecht great shape. They can defend deep, press high, or counter quickly depending on the moment.
Star Players to Watch
Each team has entertainers who can change the game. Keep an eye on these players:
Royal Antwerp
- Vincent Janssen: Their main striker, always dangerous inside the box.
- Toby Alderweireld: The captain and defensive leader, calm under pressure.
- Arthur Vermeeren: Young, smart, and great at dictating the tempo of the game.
Anderlecht
- Thorgan Hazard: Creative and quick. He’s the X-factor in attack.
- Kasper Schmeichel: The wall at the back. Always ready for big saves.
- Anders Dreyer: Gets into great positions and loves to shoot.
The BTTS Angle (Both Teams To Score)
Now, let’s get to something fun for the betting fans — the BTTS (Both Teams To Score) market.
If you’ve watched Antwerp vs Anderlecht in the past, you know goals are always on the menu.
Here’s why the BTTS bet often makes sense:
- Antwerp scores in almost every home game. Their attack is sharp, and they take a lot of shots.
- Anderlecht may not control the whole match, but they are deadly on the counter.
- Both teams have players who can score from set-pieces, open play, and even long-range shots.
In their last five matchups, BTTS landed in four. That’s a good trend for fans of attacking football!
Recent Encounters
When these two clash, they deliver. Let’s look at some recent fixtures:
- April 2023: Antwerp 2-1 Anderlecht – Both scored early; intense battle till the end.
- November 2022: Anderlecht 1-1 Antwerp – A tight game, but both still found the net.
- March 2022: Antwerp 2-2 Anderlecht – A goal-fest! Fans loved every minute of it.
History suggests goals, and that should make everyone excited.
Tactics Explained Made Simple
Not a tactics nerd? No problem! Here’s a simple breakdown:
Antwerp
- Compact when defending, explosive when attacking.
- Use wing-backs like wingers — lots of width and crosses.
- Depend on Janssen to hold the ball and create space.
Anderlecht
- Love to control possession with short passes.
- The attacking midfield trio creates chaos with movement.
- One striker, but plenty of support from behind.
What the Bookmakers Say
Betting odds for BTTS are often around 1.80 to 1.90 for these teams. That suggests high confidence in both sides finding the back of the net.
Clean sheets are rare in this fixture. With both sides capable of scoring, the BTTS market is always under the spotlight.
Predicted Lineups
Here’s a look at what the lineups could be on match day:
Royal Antwerp Predicted XI (3-5-2)
- GK: Butez
- DEF: Alderweireld, Pacho, De Laet
- MID: Bataille, Keita, Vermeeren, Yusuf, Wijndal
- FW: Janssen, Balikwisha
Anderlecht Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Schmeichel
- DEF: Murillo, Vertonghen, Delcroix, Sardella
- MID: Rits, Diawara
- ATT MID: Dreyer, Hazard, Stroeykens
- FW: Dolberg
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a casual viewer, Royal Antwerp vs Anderlecht is a match worth watching. The talent is there. The fire is guaranteed. And most of all, the goals are expected.
If you’re placing a bet or just watching for fun, remember this simple prediction: Chances are, both teams will score!
Get ready for another Belgian classic — this one could be an instant highlight.