The return of domestic football brings with it a number of exciting match-ups in the Pro League, including this meeting between top of the table St. Gilloise and out of form Oostende.
The visitors have sailed 14 points clear of Oostende in the Jupiler Pro League rankings, and 5 wins a row has seen them establish a 4 point lead at the summit over Antwerp and reigning Champions Club Brugge. You can back the Pro League newcomers to extend their winning run at Bet777.be with odds of 1.52. If you fancy the home side to end their 3 match losing streak, you can back the underdogs at football odds of 6.00.
We’ve taken a look at how things might play out and provided some sports betting tips to help you with your selections this weekend. Place your football bets with bet777.be – the best place for online bets and live betting on the Jupiler Pro League rankings.
Defensive Issues Masked by Gueye
Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals – 1.95
For all the brilliance of Makhtar Gueye, the Senegalese forward has largely papered over the cracks of Oostende’s frail defence. The 23 year old has had an inspired start to the season and has been responsible for over 50% of his team’s goals, netting 9 times in 13 games. Gueye needs just 3 more to better his first campaign with the club and make it his most successful senior campaign to date – it seems inevitable given his current form.
Oostende have been reluctant to move away from their preferred 3-5-2 formation despite the clear difficulties they have had at the back. They have kept just one clean sheet all season, which came in their 3rd game, and have failed to shutout an opposing team in 11 straight games. Although a relatively free-scoring league, only 3 teams have conceded more than Oostende, a stat that doesn’t bode well for a team that achieved a 5th place regular campaign finish last season in the Jupiler Pro League rankings.
They face a visit from the league’s most deadly attack this weekend. We can’t see them keeping St. Gilloise out and Oostende will therefore be reliant on Gueye’s goals to get them out of trouble once again. With the former St. Etienne man leading the line, they always stand a chance, but the visitors have capitalised on poor defences ruthlessly.
Undav and Vanzeir Unstoppable
St. Gilloise to win 2-1, 3-1, 4-1 – 3.90
Many thought Charleroi would give St. Gilloise some problems last time out, but Dante Vanzeir and Deniz Undav were back at it again combining for goals. The strike pairing have now scored 19 and assisted 14 between them this season, an unbelievable record which has catapulted the league newcomers to the top spot.
With the best defensive record in the league, the visitors will be confident in keeping Oostende’s chances to a minimum, but they will have their work cut out to neutralise the risk presented by Gueye. Preferring to set up with three centre-halves, St. Gilloise will hope to isolate Oostende’s main man, thus nullifying their goalscoring presence.
Felice Mazzu’s side have proven they don’t need an awful lot of the ball to beat teams. They had just 44% possession in their 4-0 win over Charleroi and 33% in the 2-0 win away to Gent a week prior. They will be happy to allow Oostende the majority of the ball, knowing their dynamic attacking transitions are a major source of their offensive output. St. Gilloise have been impressive in their rise to the top of the Jupiler Pro League rankings and it’s starting to feel like they could have a real chance of taking the title.
Place your bets online at Bet777.be – the best place for sports betting.
*Odds correct at time of publish.
