Anderlecht vs Sint-Truidense predictions for this match in the First Division A. Anderlecht, aiming to continue their formidable home record, host Sint-Truiden at Lotto Park in the Belgian Pro League opener. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Belgian Pro League | Jul 27, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Lotto Park
Anderlecht vs Sint-Truidense Predictions
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Will Anderlecht Dominate Sint-Truiden to Start Their Pro League Campaign?
Key Stats
Anderlecht scored 1.8 goals per game on average last season, highlighting their attacking prowess.
Sint-Truiden have conceded 61 goals in the last season, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
Anders Dreyer netted 19 goals in the previous campaign, underlining his importance in Anderlecht’s attack.
As Anderlecht prepare to host Sint-Truiden at Lotto Park for the opening weekend of the Belgian Pro League, the Purple & White are looking to build on their formidable home record from last season. Despite a disastrous 11th-place finish during the 2022-23 campaign, Anderlecht rebounded significantly last season, finishing third in the league standings. They were just three points behind second-placed Union SG and four points shy of title holders Club Brugge, positioning themselves for the Europa League qualifying stages later this year.
Under the guidance of manager Brian Riemer, who took over during a crisis in December 2022, Anderlecht have shown resilience and improvement. Riemer, previously an assistant coach at Brentford, has managed to stabilise the team, winning 34 out of 67 matches. His leadership, combined with a potent Danish strike force in Anders Dreyer and Kasper Dolberg, who netted 34 goals between them last season, gives Anderlecht a formidable attacking edge.
On the other side, Sint-Truiden, celebrating a decade of Pro League football, finished ninth last season, comfortably clear of relegation threats but well behind the European places. Under Christian Lattanzio, they face a daunting task of improving their dismal away form, having won only three of their 20 away fixtures last season. Adding to their challenge, they have lost their top scorer Aboubakary Koita to AEK Athens, leaving a significant gap in their attacking options.
Team News
Anderlecht will be without Marco Kana, who is recovering from an injury, and Thorgan Hazard, who is sidelined until the end of the year with a cruciate ligament injury. Following a standout pre-season performance where he scored a hat-trick against Amiens, Robbie Ure might be in line for a surprise start.
For Sint-Truiden, no major injuries mean they could field the same lineup that faced Ajax in their last friendly. New signings Shogo Taniguchi and Leo Kokubo might make their debuts as they aim to strengthen their squad.
Anderlecht possible starting lineup: Coosemans; Patris, N'Diaye, Simic, Angulo; Stroeykens, Leoni, Rits; Dreyer, Dolberg, Verschaeren
Sint-Truiden possible starting lineup: Coppens; Van Helden, Godeau, Janssens; Ogawa, Delorge, Fujita, Ito, Dumont; Bertaccini, Barnes
Expected Goals Analysis
Reviewing the expected goals (xG) metrics, Anderlecht have a high xG of 1.8 per game, reflecting their strong offensive capabilities. Sint-Truiden, meanwhile, average 1.2 xG per game, indicating a less potent attack. Defensively, Anderlecht’s xG against is 1.1, showing a solid defence, whereas Sint-Truiden have an xG against of 1.5, pointing to potential defensive weaknesses.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield will be a critical battleground. Anderlecht’s Theo Leoni, known for his creativity and vision, will clash with Sint-Truiden’s Ryotaro Ito, who brings stability and defensive cover. The duel between Anders Dreyer and Sint-Truiden’s defensive line, particularly Shogo Taniguchi, will be significant, with Dreyer’s finishing prowess likely to test Taniguchi's defensive skills.
Gameplay and Strategies
Anderlecht are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their superior passing accuracy and offensive firepower. Their strategy will likely involve quick transitions and utilising the flanks to create scoring opportunities. Sint-Truiden, facing a more challenging opponent, may adopt a defensive approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces to exploit any gaps in Anderlecht’s defence.
Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses
Anderlecht:
- Strengths: Robust attacking unit, high possession play, and efficient set-pieces.
- Weaknesses: Occasional defensive lapses, particularly against swift counter-attacks.
Sint-Truiden:
- Strengths: Effective in set-pieces, quick counter-attacks, and resilient midfield.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent defence, especially on the road, and reliance on fewer attacking options.
Managerial Analysis and Criticism
Brian Riemer has revitalised Anderlecht, but his tactical conservatism can sometimes be a drawback, particularly when more aggressive adjustments are needed. Conversely, Christian Lattanzio’s management of Sint-Truiden has been underwhelming, with his inability to shore up their defensive issues being a significant concern.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Considering current form and statistical trends, here are the betting angles for this fixture:
Best Bet: Anderlecht to Win to Nil Anderlecht's solid defence and Sint-Truiden’s lack of firepower without their top scorer make a clean sheet victory for Anderlecht highly likely. Their superior home form further supports this prediction.
Correct Score Prediction: Anderlecht 2-0 Sint-Truiden Reflecting the best bet, a 2-0 scoreline accounts for Anderlecht's offensive capabilities and defensive solidity against a weaker Sint-Truiden side.
Goalscorer Prediction: Anders Dreyer Anders Dreyer’s impressive goal tally last season and his pivotal role in the attack make him a strong candidate to score. His form suggests he will be a constant threat to Sint-Truiden’s defence.
First Half Result: Anderlecht Leading Given Anderlecht's tendency to start strong and Sint-Truiden's struggles away from home, it is likely that Anderlecht will be leading at half-time. Their attacking prowess should see them ahead by the break.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target - Anderlecht Over 6.5 With an average of 5.2 shots on target per game, Anderlecht's attacking emphasis and the need to start the season strongly suggest they will exceed this number. Given Sint-Truiden’s defensive frailties, over 6.5 shots on target is a reasonable expectation.
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