Standard beat Club Brugge, Antwerp and Anderlecht at Sclessin. Sunday’s guests are third in the Belgian Pro League and travel to a sold out stadium for Sunday’s clash.

The last match before the World Cup break is stirring up a lot of excitement among fans of both teams. Standard are in fifth place with 28 points. Union are third with 33 points. They are both candidates to finish in the top four, which is entitled to the all-important top Play Offs.

Standard only battled past second-ranked Dender in the Crocky Cup in the closing stages. In the league, the Rouches lost somewhat surprisingly on the Eupen field last matchday (2-0). Coach Dela’s rejuvenated team suffers from volatility. The difference between their home and away performances is also characteristic. The sparkling play they showed against Club Bruges, Antwerp and Anderlecht could not be matched at home against lesser opponents.

Union outclassed amateur club Cappellen in the Crocky Cup (1-7) and were able to give some players a rest after a busy first half of the season, including many European matches. Striker Vanzeir might have hoped to be selected for the Belgian national team, but national coach Martinez opted for more experienced players up front. Hopefully for Union, Vanzeir won’t let this affect him too badly. He has returned to form in recent weeks, as has his spot brother Boniface.

Both teams will go full for the 3 points 1 more time. There is only one international in the starting lineups, Standard’s Moroccan Amallah, who will participate in the World Cup. He has not made many playing minutes lately and will probably be spared by the coach even now. Both teams will be able to use their strongest eleven to go deep one more time before the long WC break. The ease with which Union finds the goal, and Standard’s strong home reputation gives us value on both teams to score.