Tricky opener for Anderlecht
Anderlecht welcome newly promoted Royale Union Saint Gilloise to Lotto Park on Sunday evening, heavy favourites but having finished last season poorly and winless throughout pre-season. Vincent Kompany’s reign has been very up and down, Purple and White took third place last term, with Club Brugge retaining their title. The Asian Handicap is my first port of call once again this week, using Union’s plucky underdog mentality to find an angle in. Despite having only just been promoted, Union will be ready, a sister club of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Background
Kompany will be hoping that Wesley Hoedt, signed from Southampton, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, on loan from Manchester City, will have the defensive resolve to shore up the backline this season. It will be interesting to monitor the 19-year-old’s, Harwood-Bellis, progress working under one of City’s greatest ever centre backs. They will have Europa Conference League action in the near future but the dip in expectation over Anderlecht’s fortunes this season may work in their favour.
Benito Raman has bolstered the attacking unit coming in from Schalke, while 20-year-old attacking midfielder Sergio Gomez comes in from Borussia Dortmund to showcase his skill set in the Belgian Jupiler League. West Ham United academy graduate Josh Cullen has had a season to adjust to the level and should be able to kick on from central midfield, spurring Anderlecht on to an improved season.
Matthew Sorinola joined Union from MK Dons this summer, the precocious full back will be one to watch after some very impressive glimpses in the infancy of his career. Christian Burgess is Union’s rock at the back, he also joined the club from a League One club but Portsmouth on this occasion. Plenty of former English Football League talents in this matchup.
The opening day occasion should be a bit of a leveller, Union have been preparing for this day for years and with Anderlecht out of sorts in 2021 it is a tricky starter. I fully expect Union to consolidate their topflight status this season, the likes of Anderlecht are the calibre of opponent they will be looking to spring a surprise on.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Deniz Undav bags a brace as Union stun Anderlecht to run out 3-1 winners.