Anderlecht v Antwerp Preview | Can last seasons champions spoil Anderlecht’s title challenge?

Anderlecht host Antwerp on Saturday evening to begin the champions play-offs in the Belgian Pro League. Last seasons champions Antwerp are very much on the outside of the title race, but could give their chances of finishing in second place a boost with a win over Anderlecht. The sides are separated by six points, with the Mauves only three points behind Union St Gilloise.

Many will be hoping for a repeat of the final day drama that saw Antwerp win their first title since 1957. Union are chasing a first title since 1935, while for Anderlecht their last title came in 2017. The side under Brian Riemer are chasing a 35th Belgian title and a win over Antwerp would put instant pressure on Union to respond days later. Anderlecht come into the play-offs off the back of a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Kortrijk, a result that ended a long unbeaten run for the side.

Antwerp drew with the aforementioned Union late on to end the regular season. The side are unbeaten in their previous five matches in all competitions.