We’ve previewed the upcoming Jupiler Pro League campaign with a focus on champions Antwerp. They are currently trailing Club Brugge in the football odds, but they will fancy their chances as underdogs once again this season.
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Jupiler Pro League: Can Antwerp Retain the Title?
One of Belgium’s most historic clubs finally tasted glory last season after nearly 70 years without lifting the first division trophy. Despite finishing in the top four on four consecutive occasions prior to last season, there weren’t too many that would have backed them to bridge the gap between themselves and Club Brugge.
It turned out to be veteran centre-half Toby Alderweireld that emerged the hero, scoring a last-minute equaliser to clinch his boyhood club the title. With the Belgian international at the heart of their defence, Antwerp will hope they can defend their spot at the top.
They don’t have the budget to compete with the likes of Club Brugge, but they do boast a very young, promising squad with scatterings of experienced heads. The likes of Arthur Vermeeren, Alhassan Yusuf and Anthony Valencia could all be primed for major breakthrough seasons.
They have also acquired the talents of 16-year-old George Ilenikhena from Ligue 2 side Amiens. At a fee of €6m, the striker might not be in the plans for the upcoming Jupiler Pro League campaign, but he is almost certainly one-to-watch for the future.
Antwerp Key Players
Antwerp have typically been a solid unit, building their style from defensive compactness. At the other end of the pitch, Mark van Bommel will be hoping his centre-forwards can keep Antwerp’s scoring in line with the big hitters such as Genk and St. Gilloise.
Vincent Janssen was the main man last season, scoring 21 goals and assisting 6 in 46 games in all competitions. The 29-year-old will likely be backed up by the returning Michael Frey, should Antwerp decide to keep hold off the Swiss forward.
After a lightning start at Antwerp in which he scored 33 goals in 69 games, Frey earned a move to Bundesliga outfit Schalke. However, it ended a rather unsuccessful spell, with the 28-year-old failing to find the net in 15 outings in Germany. He did provide 3 assists but it wasn’t deemed enough for Schalke to fancy making the move permanent.
Schalke’s loss could be Antwerp’s gain. Having two experienced, proven goalscorers could be exactly what the champions need to fire them back to the top.
Jupiler Pro League Betting Odds
Antwerp are currently trailing Club Brugge as second-favourites to lift the Jupiler Pro League trophy at 3.50. Here are the top five favourites:
Club Brugge – 2.75
Antwerp – 3.50
Genk – 4.50
Union Saint-Gilloise – 8.00
Gent – 9.00
Here are the odds on the five favourites to claim a top three finish:
Club Brugge – 1.20
Antwerp – 1.25
Genk – 1.50
Union Saint-Gilloise – 1.90
Gent – 2.10
*Odds correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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