Two of the league’s most exciting attacks will face off this weekend as Antwerp’s Frey goes head to head with Saint Gilloise’s Vanzeir and Undav. The trio have 20 goals between them already and show no signs of slowing up.
Newcomers Saint Gilloise are heavy sports betting favourites for this tie at odds of 1.50 with Bet777.be, but Antwerp have every chance as the underdogs considering their attack is led by the league’s top goalscorer. You can place an online bet on Antwerp to win at odds of 6.50.
We’ve taken a look at how we think things might play out in this highlight of the Jupiler Pro League calendar this weekend, and given you some football odds to help with your sports bets this weekend.
Vanzeir and Undav to Run Riot
Saint Gilloise win and over 2.5 goals – 2.20
The facts do not make positive reading for Antwerp. Club Brugge are the only team to stop either Undav or Vanzeir finding the net. The home side will be hoping their 3-5-2 setup will be sufficient in isolating Frey, by forcing the Swiss striker to play against their three centre-backs. If they can effectively nullify Antwerp’s main threat, they will almost certainly have their own joy at the other end.
Senne Lynen and Casper Nielsen have been instrumental in their side’s good form this season, registering 5 assists between them already. They may find that their 3 central midfielders are matched by Antwerp, reducing their capability of overloading the middle of the pitch. In this case, their wing-backs allow them to gain territory out wide, whilst consistently having two targets to aim at in the box.
This fixture could essentially come down to who is best able to deal with their opponent’s threat. Saint Gilloise have conceded the fewest goals in the Jupiler Pro League calendar so far and their back-line commanded by Jonas Bager and Ismael Kandouss will be confident in shutting out the visitors. If they can keep a clean sheet, they will have every chance of coming out of this tricky fixture on top.
Can Frey Bag Against the League’s Best Defence?
Antwerp win and both to score – 9.50
It’s tough to see how Antwerp could keep Saint Gilloise from finding the net. The visitors have only managed to keep one clean sheet thus far and will be up against their toughest challenge yet. If they are going to win this one, they are going to have to outscore the league newcomers.
The obvious threat is Michael Frey, but Antwerp do possess plenty of other attacking options that are more than capable of making the difference. Viktor Fischer has consistently provided goals and assists from the wing throughout his time with both Ajax and Copenhagen. The Dane has already started well for Antwerp and could cause Saint Gilloise’s defence real problems if he is able to exploit the space left by the wing-backs.
Mbwana Samatta is another that could be a difference-maker in this closely matched fixture. The Tanzanian striker has struggled with lack of playing time in recent years, but it was only a few seasons ago when he bagged 23 goals in a standout season for Genk. If Brian Priske can find a way to get Samatta and Frey working alongside each other, they could strike a formidable partnership.
Antwerp’s chances in this one look like they boil down to the quality of service they can provide Frey with. Although they have the creativity in their midfield to control the game, Saint Gilloise’s relentless attacking play and clinical strikers might prove too much for the visitors to handle.
*odds correct at time of publish.