Royale Union SG vs Antwerp: can Royale Union SG hold on to top spot?
In Matchday 26 of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, Royale Union SG will host Antwerp on home soil. The match is set for Saturday, 21 February, with kick-off at 20:45 CET, and I have a betting pick to offer.
Royale Union SG vs Antwerp: match facts and head-to-head
- Royale Union SG are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches: three draws and four victories.
- Antwerp have suffered three straight defeats.
- On home soil, Royale Union SG have won six matches in a row.
- Royale Union SG boast the second-best attack in the league with 41 goals scored.
- They also possess the best defensive record in the championship, having conceded just 14 goals.
- Royale Union SG have won 37% of their matches this season without conceding, while Antwerp have managed that in 17% of their games.
- In 34% of their league fixtures, Royale Union SG have scored in both halves.
- In the most recent head-to-head meeting, Antwerp and Royale Union SG played out a 1–1 draw.
Royale Union SG vs Antwerp: match preview
Royale Union SG currently sit at the summit of the Jupiler Pro League table. After 25 rounds, they have amassed 53 points. However, their cushion is far from comfortable — just two points clear of second place and three ahead of third. That means Union SG will be determined to preserve their advantage and push for a second league crown. They are in excellent form, riding a seven-match unbeaten streak.
Antwerp, meanwhile, occupy the lower half of the standings. After 25 matches, they have collected 30 points, which leaves them in 11th position. They trail sixth place — the final spot that secures a berth in the Championship Group — by six points, so the battle for a top-six finish remains alive. At the same time, the gap to the Relegation Group zone is just two points, meaning Antwerp could slip even further down the table. Their current run is worrying, with three consecutive defeats.
Probable line-ups
- Royale Union SG: Scherpen, Burgess, Mac Allister, Sykes, Patris, Schoofs, Zorgane, Ait El Hadj, Khalaili, Guilherme Smith, David
- Antwerp: Nozawa, Foulon, Kouyaté, Van Den Bosch, Praet, Verstraeten, Scott, Tsunashima, Somers, Vandeplas, Janssen
Prediction
Royale Union SG are not only leading the table but also in strong form. I believe they have what it takes to claim all three points here, and my suggested bet is a home win.
