Antwerp will be hoping to challenge for the First Division A title this season so three points away at Charleroi is the demand this Sunday.
The hosts finished in the relegation play-off places last season but managed to stay in Belgium's top flight with relative ease in the end, while Antwerp claimed third place in the regular season but slipped down to sixth during the Championship play-offs.
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Charleroi vs Antwerp prediction: Goals expected at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi
Key Stats
- Both teams have scored in four of Charleroi's last six outings.
- Three of Antwerp's last five fixtures have witnessed at least three goals.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the hosts' last six outings.
- Antwerp have seen three of their last five matches produce over 2.5 goals.
Correct score prediction: Charleroi 1-2 Antwerp
Antwerp have won their last two encounters with Charleroi and on both occasions over 2.5 goals were produced and both teams scored.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Antwerp the bookmaker's pick
- HOME: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
- AWAY: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Antwerp are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 45.5%, and we agree with the bookmakers on this one.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Charleroi lead
The last five meetings between these two clubs have produced three wins for Charleroi and two wins for Antwerp, though, Sunday;s guests have won each of the last two head-to-heads.
Belgium First Division A 21/01/24
Antwerp
Charleroi
Belgium Cup 06/12/23
Antwerp
Charleroi
Belgium First Division A 21/10/23
Charleroi
Antwerp
Belgium First Division A 19/03/23
Antwerp
Charleroi
Belgium First Division A 30/10/22
Charleroi
Antwerp
Charleroi preview: Lacked a natural goal threat last season
Charleroi ended last season with a 3-1 victory at home against Kortrijk but their overall performance was poor.
Sunday's hosts simply have to score more goals and concede fewer if they are going to a void another relegation battle this season.
Charleroi finished fourth from bottom in the regular season, scoring just 26 times in 30 games and conceding 48 times.
Predicted lineup: Defourny (GK), Nzita, Dragsnes, Andreou, Rogelj, Heymans, Mbenza, Zorgane, Guiagon, Camara & Dabbagh
Belgium First Division A 27/09/24
D
Club Brugge
1
Charleroi
1
Belgium First Division A 21/09/24
D
Anderlecht
0
Charleroi
0
Belgium First Division A 15/09/24
W
KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk
0
Charleroi
3
Belgium First Division A 31/08/24
L
KV Mechelen
5
Charleroi
2
Belgium First Division A 25/08/24
W
KV Kortrijk
0
Charleroi
1
Antwerp preview: Ended last season poorly
Antwerp looked like possible title challengers during the regular season, finishing third and conceding the least amount of goals (27).
However, their form in the Championship players dipped severely with the club losing eight of their ten matches and conceding 18 goals in the process.
Predicted lineup: Butez (GK), De Laet, Wijndal, Van Den Bosch, Alderweireld, Yusuf, Matazo, Keita, Ondrejka, Balikwisha & Ilenikhena
Belgium First Division A 29/09/24
W
KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk
0
Antwerp
5
Belgium First Division A 21/09/24
W
Westerlo
1
Antwerp
2
Belgium First Division A 15/09/24
W
Union Saint Gilloise
0
Antwerp
2
Belgium First Division A 01/09/24
D
Gent
1
Antwerp
1
Belgium First Division A 24/08/24
L
KV Mechelen
1
Antwerp
0
Player to watch – Toby Alderweireld
Antwerp's 35-year-old captain has impressed since making the move back to his homeland in 2022 and we're backing the veteran defender to impress once again this season.
Despite his advancing age, Alderweireld played 53 times for Antwerp across all competitions last season, scoring four goals.
Antwerp's veteran captain continues to produce the goods
The Belgian international has been a constant in the Antwerp side over the last two seasons, helping the club achieve an excellent defensive record and leading by example.
We're expecting another big performance from the veteran defender this weekend as Antwerp look to start the new season with a victory.
