The Belgian Cup quarter-final between Royal Antwerp and Union St. Gilloise is set for January 8, 2025, at Antwerp’s Bosuil Stadion. Fans are in for a treat as both teams have been impressive in the league, and they bring strong squads to this clash.
Royal Antwerp, led by coach Jonas De Roeck, has strengthened their lineup with players like Mandela Keita and Ayrton Costa. The team strikes a good balance between young energy and seasoned experience, with an average age of 25.3 years. Conversely, Union St. Gilloise, under coach Sebastien Pocognoli, focuses on youthful vigor, shown in their signing of Anan Khalaili. Their squad is young, with an average age of 22.8 years, which often results in energetic and fast-paced football.
In past encounters, Union St. Gilloise has often come out on top, giving them a slight edge historically. However, this Cup clash gives Royal Antwerp a chance to turn the tables. The weather forecast predicts cold and wet conditions, which could impact how both teams play and influence their strategies.
Royal Antwerp vs Union St.Gilloise Prediction & Betting Tip
Union St. Gilloise has been in good form whenever they’ve faced Antwerp, giving them a confidence boost. This could give them the psychological upper hand as they look to take down Antwerp once again.
Betting Tip
| Royal Antwerp vs Union St.Gilloise Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Union St.Gilloise 0.00 (AH) | 1.88 |
Union St. Gilloise is tipped to maintain their recent performance levels, thanks to their strong attack and track record in tense cup games.
Royal Antwerp vs Union St.Gilloise Odds
The betting odds favor Union St. Gilloise, reflecting their advantage in recent matches and their impressive form in cup settings.
| Royal Antwerp vs Union St.Gilloise Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Union St.Gilloise Win (AH 0.00) | 1.88 |
Both teams have shown strength in cup competitions, but expectations lean towards Union St. Gilloise having the edge, making this match likely to be very competitive.
Royal Antwerp Team Analysis
Royal Antwerp Recent Performance
Royal Antwerp has shown mixed results recently. They have pulled off draws against strong teams and wins over lesser opponents. In their last six games, they have scored 11 goals and conceded 10, showcasing their potential but also some inconsistencies.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Genk | Royal Antwerp | 2-2 |
| Royal Antwerp | Club Brugge | 3-1 |
| Charleroi | Royal Antwerp | 1-1 |
| Oostende | Royal Antwerp | 2-1 |
| Royal Antwerp | Eupen | 3-0 |
Antwerp’s form keeps them in the conversation as top contenders in Belgian football. More insights into their journey in the Belgian Pro League are in Royal Antwerp’s details.
Royal Antwerp Key Players
Antwerp’s lineup includes key players like Toby Alderweireld, who offers leadership and strong defensive capabilities. Gyrano Kerk is another significant figure known for his goal-scoring talent, making him a threat in attack. Jaïro Riedewald’s recent arrival adds depth, adding options in strategy.
Royal Antwerp Suspensions & Injuries
Royal Antwerp faces some injury hurdles with Björn Engels doubtful due to a hamstring issue, and Michel Ange Balikwisha’s situation being day-to-day. Meanwhile, Christopher Scott is sidelined with a knee injury until late January.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Björn Engels | Hamstring | Doubtful |
| Michel Ange Balikwisha | Day to day | Day to day |
| Christopher Scott | Knee injury | Late January |
These injuries could affect their defensive tactics and available lineup options.
Royal Antwerp Tactics and Formation
Expect Antwerp to focus on a solid defense with quick counter-attacks. Toby Alderweireld is expected to anchor the defense, while Gyrano Kerk will likely be crucial in breaking through Union St. Gilloise’s defenses with his direct play.
Union St.Gilloise Team Analysis
Union St.Gilloise Recent Performance
Union St. Gilloise has been in top form, highlighted by a solid 3-1 win over Gent. They’ve been consistent, scoring 10 goals and conceding just 5 in their last six matches.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union St.Gilloise | Gent | 3-1 |
| Union St.Gilloise | Standard Liege | 1-1 |
| Beerschot | Union St.Gilloise | 0-2 |
| Union St.Gilloise | Mechelen | 2-2 |
| Genk | Union St.Gilloise | 3-2 |
Their performance keeps them competitive in local and European contests as shown in more details on Belgian Pro League overview.
Union St.Gilloise Key Players
Players like Promise Akinpelu, known for his agility and speed, play crucial roles in breaking down defenses. Anan Khalaili adds to their attack, while Anthony Moris brings safety and confidence as their goalkeeper.
Union St.Gilloise Suspensions & Injuries
Union St. Gilloise faces some injury challenges, notably, Henok Teklab is out with a broken leg, and Mamadou Traoré is doubtful due to a knock.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Henok Teklab | Broken leg | Mid-January |
| Mamadou Traoré | Knock | Doubtful |
Such injuries may force tactical shifts, inviting the squad to leverage all their resources.
Union St.Gilloise Tactics and Formation
Union St. Gilloise is likely to stick to their dynamic, attack-heavy nature, focusing on quick plays that exploit any defensive gaps in their opposition. Their youthful nature can be an advantage for fast-paced transitions and offensive creativity.
Royal Antwerp vs Union St.Gilloise Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Union St. Gilloise has dominated their fixtures against Antwerp, winning four of the last five matchups. Most recently, they secured a 2-1 victory.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union St.Gilloise | Royal Antwerp | 2-1 |
| Royal Antwerp | Union St.Gilloise | 1-2 |
| Union St.Gilloise | Royal Antwerp | 3-0 |
| Royal Antwerp | Union St.Gilloise | 1-1 |
| Union St.Gilloise | Royal Antwerp | 4-2 |
This trend suggests Union St. Gilloise might hold psychological advantages heading into the quarter-final.
Venue and Weather
The Bosuil Stadion, known for its passionate supporters, hosts this crucial matchup. The evening is expected to be cold and wet, typical of January in Antwerp. Weather conditions like rain or snow could influence how the game is played, particularly in passing accuracy and ball control.
Familiar conditions might give Antwerp the slightest edge, but both sides will need to adapt quickly to maintain a high standard of play despite the weather. This adaptability will be a key factor, potentially affecting the tempo and tactics throughout the encounter.
For more on how Antwerp sits within the broader league context, view the Belgian Pro League overview.
