Belgium’s two most decorated football clubs will meet this this weekend at Lotto Park, as both seek to put a dent in each other’s title hopes. A win for Club Brugge could widen the gap to 6 points on their rivals, whereas an Anderlecht victory would draw the two level in the Jupiler Pro League rankings.
There isn’t much to pick between these sides which is evident in the sports betting odds. Top of the table, Club Brugge go into the fixture as slight favourites with odds of 2.45 at Bet777.be. However, Anderlecht were the last team to pick up a win in this fixture and can be backed as slight underdogs in the football odds @ 2.90.
We’ve previewed how things could play out this weekend as the Jupiler Pro League rankings start to take shape.
Can Anderlecht Outscore Club Brugge?
Anderlecht win and both to score – 5.50
Across 12 games in all competitions, no team has been able to stop Club Brugge scoring this season. That record includes games against some of the best in Belgian football with Genk and St. Gilloise, as well as European giants PSG and RB Leipzig. Given the Champions’ inevitability in front of goal, the question remains – can Anderlecht outscore the visitors?
Full-backs Sergio Gomez and Michael Murillo have been key in their side’s attacking exploits, but will likely be asked by Vincent Kompany to defend first in this game to avoid leaving space for Kamal Sowah and Noa Lang. Although limiting their forward runs would solidify Anderlecht’s back-line, it would also nullify what has been one of their main threats this season. Left-back Gomez has 5 assists to his name already and sitting back could play into the hands of the Champions.
A lack of attacking intent could also leave Joshua Zirkzee or Benito Raman isolated up-front, resulting in an inability to sustain forward pressure. It is an interesting tactical decision to keep an eye on, as Kompany will be forced to sacrifice defensive solidarity in return for attacking threat.
Club Brugge to Overrun the Midfield
Club Brugge win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 – 5.75
The Champions have already secured their place at the summit of the Jupiler Pro League rankings and will be looking to extend their lead over rivals with an away win. Philippe Clement’s side are likely to have a man advantage in the middle of the park over Anderlecht’s favoured 4-4-2 due to Brugge’s preferred 3-man midfield setup.
This is dangerous for Kompany’s side, with so much of the visitors’ attacking threat coming from their midfield. Vanaken in particular will need to be closely monitored by the home side, as the 29 year-old has already found the net 6 times for club and country – mainly thanks to his trademark late arrival in the box.
As eluded to previously, the game could come down to how expansive the home side are willing to be. If their full-backs overcommit, Lang and Sowah possess the pace and flair to punish Anderlecht. Charles de Ketelaere will act as a false nine at times, dropping deep to provide space in behind for Lang and Sowah to act as inverted wingers. These two look very well matched and it looks set to be one of the games of the season – even at this early stage.
*Odds correct at time of publish.