This weekend will mark the start of an exciting season ahead in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. We’ve taken a look at the opening round of fixtures and given you our odds and betting tips for who we think will win each game. If you’re feeling lucky, why not give our Super777 Grid a go for the chance to win one of our huge jackpots!
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Standard Liege vs Genk
This could be tight affair. Genk finished last season well and with Paul Onuachu still at the club for the time being, they will always cause problems. However, Liege were defensively solid in the last Pro League campaign and Genk have sometimes struggled away from home. We think this one will end in a draw.
Leuven vs Waregem
This looks another tight game. Waregem finished just one point ahead of Leuven last season and both have strong sides with a goalscorer. Leuven’s Thomas Henry was the league’s second highest goalscorer last season with 21 goals closely followed by Waregem’s Gianni Bruno who managed 20.
Waregem’s away form last season was the fourth best in the league which we think gives them the edge and with Bruno looking to get off the mark for the season and the experienced Jelle Vossen leading the line, Waregem should have enough.
Beerschot VA vs Cercle Brugge
It’s hard to see any other outcome than a home win for Beerschot VA in this one. Cercle Brugge narrowly avoided relegation last season and have only been weakened with English striker Ike Ugbo returning to parent club Chelsea (and, most likely re-routing to Genk in the near future).
Beerschot VA will be looking to build on their solid last campaign which saw them finish mid-table and star man Raphael Holzhauser will be looking to pick up from where he left off last season when he managed 32 goal contributions in 34 games.
Kortrijk vs Seraing
We have Kortrijk as heavy favourites in this one and it is no surprise. Seraing were heavily reliant on the goals of Georgian forward Georges Mikautadze for promotion last season and with him returning to Metz, it’s difficult to see Seraing posing too much of a threat in the Pro League. We expect Seraing to struggle throughout the season and this first game might be the start of a long season for their fans.
Oostende vs Charleroi
We fancy another home win in this fixture. Oostende had a good campaign last season, just missing out on the top four and they have only got stronger.
Makhtar Gueye is a goal threat and Danish midfielder Andrew Hjulsager was impressive last season notching up 11 assists. When you consider the addition of talented free transfer Kenny Rocha Santos from Nancy, Oostende could prove a strong team in the upcoming season. They will simply have too much for Charleroi.
KV Mechelen vs Antwerp
Antwerp had a solid season last year and have improved with the addition of Michael Frey, who scored 14 times for Waasland-Beveren in the last campaign. Despite their relegation, Frey was a bright spark and will have plenty to offer for Antwerp.
KV Mechelen struggled at home last season, ranking 14th for points earned at home in spite of an 8th place finish. We think Antwerp are set for another impressive season and predict them to get off to a strong start.
Club Brugge vs Eupen
Club Brugge are the biggest favourites, and the easiest of betting tips, of the opening round of fixtures and for good reason. They have quality throughout. A solid spine with the experienced Ruud Vormer creating from deep and the exciting Dutch prospect Noa Lang looking to have his best season yet. We can’t look beyond Club Brugge as they attempt to kick-start their bid for a third successive title.
Anderlecht vs St. Gilloise
St. Gilloise will be looking to cause an upset in their opening fixture but we just can’t see it happening. Anderlecht only lost once at home last season, conceding only 11 times in 17 games. Their midfield looks incredibly strong going into the new campaign with experienced Israeli Lior Refaelov looking to have another productive campaign.
He will play alongside the likes of promising Belgian Yari Verschaeren and Spanish prospect Sergio Gomez who will both be looking to make their mark on the league. Anderlecht could be challenging for the title and three points is pivotal in their opening game.
Sint Truiden vs Gent
Sint Truiden could shock a few people this year. With a strong Japanese contingent led by centre forward Yuma Suzuki, Sint Truiden will be hoping they can secure safety as quickly as possible and push on towards a mid-table finish.
Gent will also be confident going into the new season with Ukrainian superstar Roman Yaremchuk coming off the back of his best goalscoring campaign to date. We think Sint Truiden are a better team than people give them credit for and could get fight for a point.
We hope you take note of our betting tips this weekend, and win big, good luck!
*Please note, all odds were correct at time of publish.