Royal Antwerp vs Union Saint-Gilloise.png

The Belgian Pro League 2025/26 kicks off with defending champions Union Saint-Gilloise travelling to Royal Antwerp in a headline opener. Union SG ended a 90-year title drought last season and enter this campaign full of confidence as reigning champions. Hosts Antwerp, by contrast, are looking to rebound from a turbulent year and have a new man at the helm – rookie head coach Stef Wils takes charge of his first match after being promoted from assistant. Both clubs will be eager to start strong on Friday night, setting the tone for the season ahead in front of a packed Bosuilstadion.

Recent Form & Route

Antwerp stumbled through the end of 2024/25, winning just one of their final five league outings (D1 L3). Their home form was especially concerning – the Reds failed to win any of their last 8 competitive games at Bosuilstadion, losing 7 of them. Long-serving captain Toby Alderweireld and co. will hope a clean slate under Wils can halt that slide. In preseason friendlies results were mixed, and fans still recall Antwerp’s last meeting with Union – a chastening 0-4 defeat in May.

Union Saint-Gilloise, meanwhile, finished last season in blistering form. Sebastien Pocognoli’s side won 9 of their final 10 league matches (drawing the other) en route to the title, averaging over 2 goals per game in that span. They also won their last 5 away fixtures, keeping 4 clean sheets. Although Union lost 2-1 to Club Brugge in the Super Cup on 20 July, Les Unionistes still carry huge momentum. Canadian forward Promise David was the hero on the final day with a title-clinching brace, and he topped Union’s scoring charts with 8 goals in the last 10 games. For Antwerp, young winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha was a bright spot late last season, netting 4 times in the run-in. Both will be key attacking threats to watch in this opener.

Probable XIs

Royal Antwerp (4-3-3): Lammens (GK); Odoi, Alderweireld, Van Den Bosch, Bataille; Chéry, Doumbia, Praet; Kerk, Janssen, Balikwisha.
Unavailable: Björn Engels (hamstring), Christopher Scott (knee). Note: Balikwisha faces a late fitness test.

Union Saint-Gilloise (3-4-1-2): Chambaere (GK); Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen; Castro-Montes, Van De Perre, Vanhoutte, Niang; Ait El Hadj; Ivanović, Rodríguez.
Unavailable: Henok Teklab (broken leg), Mamadou Traoré (doubtful). Note: Long-time keeper Anthony Moris has left the club, so 20-year-old Chambaere should continue in goal.

Tactical Keys

Champions’ Confidence vs Rebuilding Reds: Union SG bring a settled squad and winning mentality under coach Pocognoli, whereas Antwerp are adjusting to Wils’s new methods and could take time to find cohesion. Union’s familiarity and confidence could give them an early edge.
Home Woes vs Away Warriors: Bosuilstadion is usually a fortress, but Antwerp haven’t won there in 8 matches, struggling for both goals and clean sheets. Union, by contrast, thrive on the road – 5 straight away wins to end last season. If Antwerp start nervously, Union will fancy extending that streak.
Defensive Fortunes: Antwerp’s defence conceded 50 league goals last term and showed cracks in big games. They must contain Union’s dynamic attack led by Ivanović and David. Union’s back line, strengthened by the experience of captain Christian Burgess, was the stingiest in the league (just 0.5 goals against per away game in late 2024/25). Antwerp’s front three need creativity and movement to break through.
Midfield Battle: The visitors often cede possession (around 40% on average) and strike quickly, whereas Antwerp’s Dennis Praet and co. will attempt to control the tempo. Watch for Union’s double pivot (Vanhoutte and Van De Perre) disrupting Antwerp’s rhythm. Turnovers in midfield could prove decisive, as Union excel in transition.
Head-to-Head History: Union have dominated this matchup recently, winning the last three encounters. Notably, they thrashed Antwerp 4-0 at Bosuilstadion in their most recent visit. Antwerp must overcome any psychological hangover from those results, while Union will be confident deploying the same game plan that has proven successful.

Latest Odds

1X2: Union SG are 10/11 favourites (implied ~53% win probability). Royal Antwerp are priced around 3/1 (~25% chance) to pull off a home win, with the draw at 12/5 (~29%).

Goals O/U: Bookmakers are split on goal expectancy – under 2.5 total goals is around 5/6 (slightly favoured), while over 2.5 is about 19/20. This suggests a roughly 50-50 call on a low- vs high-scoring game. Union’s solid defence might nudge things towards the under.

Both Teams to Score: “BTTS – Yes” is offered near 4/5, and “No” at 19/20, essentially even odds. Union kept many clean sheets in recent away games, and Antwerp’s scoring at home dried up late last season, so punters may lean toward at least one side failing to net.

Implied Probabilities: Union SG ~53% to win, Draw ~29%, Antwerp ~25%. Over 2.5 goals ~51%; Under 2.5 ~54%. Both Teams to Score – Yes ~56%, No ~51%. (Percentages are approximate and reflect the odds at the time of writing.)

Betting Tips

Union Saint-Gilloise to Win (10/11) – The champions’ form and head-to-head edge make them a strong pick. Union have won 9 of their last 10 league games and each of their last 3 meetings with Antwerp. Antwerp’s home struggles and new coach factor suggest the away side can capitalize.
Both Teams to Score – No (19/20) – Union’s defence was rock-solid down the stretch (4 clean sheets in last 5 away matches), and Antwerp have scored one or zero goals in 7 of their last 8 at home. A Union win to nil or a low-scoring draw is a plausible outcome given those trends.
Promise David to Score First (7/2) – Back the man of the moment for the opening goal. David came off the bench to score twice in Union’s title decider and is brimming with confidence. With Union’s attack creating chances aplenty, the Canadian forward is a tempting first goalscorer punt at 7/2. (Each-way options or “anytime scorer” at shorter odds are also worth consideration.)
Union -1 Handicap (11/4) – If you fancy Union to win comfortably, the -1 handicap offers value. Winning by 2+ goals is not far-fetched – Union beat Antwerp by 4 goals in their last encounter. Antwerp may need time to gel under Wils, so Union could exploit any disorganization and cover this handicap.

Odds subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. 🎲

Where to Have a Flutter

Bookmaker	Sign-Up Offer	Bet Tip (Odds)
Fruity King Sports	100% bonus up to £100	Union win & Under 2.5 Goals @ 5/2
Betrino	Bet £10 → £30 Free Bet	Promise David first goalscorer @ 7/2
Monster Sports	100% match up to £100	Franjo Ivanović anytime scorer @ 2/1
Spinzwin Sports	Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bet	Union -1.0 Asian Handicap @ 11/4

Viewing Guide

Live Stream (UK & Intl): The match will be streamed exclusively on DAZN – all Pro League games are available via the DAZN app (subscription required) in the UK, Belgium and many international markets. (No traditional TV broadcast in Belgium this season, as DAZN has not sublicensed to local cable providers.)
Live Stream (USA): ESPN+ has the US rights to the Belgian Pro League – this fixture will stream live on ESPN+ for American viewers (in English and Spanish commentary). Kickoff is 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT on Friday.
Other regions: Check local listings, but generally DAZN’s global reach means countries like Canada, Ireland, Australia and more can stream via DAZN. In Belgium, radio commentary is available on VRT/RTBF, but TV coverage is app-only on DAZN.
Weather: Forecast for Antwerp on Friday evening is mild and dry, about 21–23°C at kickoff, partly cloudy with a light breeze – perfect football weather for players and fans.
Attendance: A near-capacity crowd of around 12,000 is expected at Bosuilstadion. One stand is closed for redevelopment, but the atmosphere should still be electric as Antwerp’s faithful turn out for the opener. Union will also bring vocal away support for this marquee first match.

Royal Antwerp vs Union Saint-Gilloise — Belgian Pro League Opener

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