In the first matchday of the Belgian championship, Antwerp will host league newcomer Beveren. The hosts are the clear favorites, a fact confirmed by their head-to-head record: Antwerp has won 83% of their last six matches. In a broader perspective, Antwerp has 11 wins to Beveren's nine, with seven draws. Predictions for the match also favor the Antwerp team, predicting a victory.
Antwerp's side are approaching the start of the season on the back of two friendly defeats, but played with an experimental lineup away in England. Beveren, despite winning last season and returning to the top flight after a five-year absence, recognizes the difficulty of the upcoming season. A team veteran noted that a "harsh reality" awaits them, and the first rounds against Antwerp, Anderlecht, and others will be very tough. It's also worth considering the personnel losses: Beveren are likely to be without K. Abrahams and V. Boon due to injury.
Considering Antwerp's solid performance in preseason, their overwhelming head-to-head record, their home field advantage, and the newcomer's struggles adapting to the top flight, there's little doubt the hosts will win.
