Coach Van Bommel had a lightning start in Antwerp and did not lose a single point in the first nine league games. However this was followed by a series of three defeats in a row, leaving Antwerp in third place in the Jupiler Pro League after seventeen match days, 11 points behind Genk. Van Bommel’s team resumes the competition against Westerlo.

Last week Antwerp won convincingly against Standard 4-0 in the cup. The defense was strong with World Cup players Pacho and Alderweireld. Up front, standout Stengs is finally starting to work on his statistics. Up front, the finishing was extremely efficient, with all four shots on goal being converted. Meanwhile, farewells were said to wildcat Nainggolan. A replacement is still being pursued during the winter break.

Westerlo had no World Cup players. The squad prepared for the return round in Turkey. There it lost practice matches to top clubs Besiktas (1-0) and Basaksehir (2-1). Creative midfielder Lukas van Eenoo can be called upon again, who was out for a long time with an Achilles tendon injury. That gives coach De Roeck additional options in the offensive compartment.

Despite the 3-0 defeat in the first round, Westerlo will encounter Antwerp with confidence. Last year they knocked Antwerp out of the cup as a second division side in their Kuipje. Their way of playing football is always attacking, and that will not change. We expect offensive play against Antwerp again. However, that leaves room for counters. Fast wingers Stengs and Balikwisha can take advantage of this. Moreover, Antwerp loves to play this style of opponents. This makes us believe in Antwerp’s chances. Up front, Frey will certainly play, as Janssen is still suspended. He scored against Standard in the cup, which is good for his confidence.