The Antwerp vs. Anderlecht match will be played on Friday, at the Bosuil Stadium, Deurne. This is the opening match of Belgium First Division A 2017/18 season. Antwerp was the winner of Belgium First Division B and achieved the promotion, while Anderlecht won the title in the previous season.

STATS

• Antwerp played five friendly matches during the summer and recorded four victories and one draw. However, they played mostly with lower tier clubs.
• Anderlecht played four friendly matches during the summer. They won three, but Salzburg hammered them by 4:1. Last week, Anderlecht won the Super Cup by defeating Zulte Waregem by 2:1.

HEAD TO HEAD

In their previous ten meetings, Anderlecht recorded seven victories, Antwerp won one game, while two matches ended in a draw. They haven't played against each other for more than 13 years.

ANTWERP NEWS

Antwerp finally managed to return to the Belgium First Division A, after numerous attempts in the recent years were futile. They don't have many ambitions, apart from staying in the league. The match against the reigning champion will show them where they stand regarding quality with the teams which are expected to fight for the title this year. Therefore, they will try to play as much as they can, and they hope to avoid some humiliating defeat that would destroy their self-confidence right at the start of the league.

Latest matches: Royal Antwerp FC

22.07.2017	Club	St. Truidense VV	Royal Antwerp FC	1:1	D
05.04.2017	Club	Royal Antwerp FC	Royal Mouscron	1:2	L
31.03.2017	Club	Royal Antwerp FC	KVC Westerlo	1:1	D
11.03.2017	Firs	KSV Roeselare	Royal Antwerp FC	1:2	W
05.03.2017	Firs	Royal Antwerp FC	KSV Roeselare	3:1	W

ANDERLECHT NEWS

Anderlecht started the season in the best possible way, by winning another trophy - Super Cup. They have the highest ambitions in the domestic league again, and they will have to win the matches against the teams such as Antwerp, to get a good result.

Latest matches: RSC Anderlecht

22.07.2017	Supe	RSC Anderlecht	SV Zulte Waregem	2:1	W
19.07.2017	Club	FCV Dender EH	RSC Anderlecht	1:3	W
07.07.2017	Club	RB Salzburg	RSC Anderlecht	4:1	L
21.05.2017	Pro	RSC Anderlecht	KV Oostende	3:2	W
18.05.2017	Pro	Royal Charleroi SC	RSC Anderlecht	1:3	W

SUMMING UP!

Anderlecht is an absolute favorite in the upcoming game. They will try to record a convincing victory, while the hosts would be delighted with a draw.