Standard Liege vs Anderlecht Predictions

Fourth placed Standard Liege play host to fifth placed Anderlecht in the First Division A on Sunday, and with just three points separating the two clubs were expecting a close and competitive ninety minutes. Standard Liege are the form favourites heading into the match with four wins from their last six matches, while Anderlecht have struggled somewhat with just two wins during that same period.

Standard Liege were held to a draw last time out against Antwerp, despite their hosts ending the game with ten-men on the pitch. Standard controlled the first half for the most part, but didn’t do a lot with the ball in the final third and the teams went in goalless at the break. Lamkel Ze was sent-off shortly after the hour mark for Antwerp and Standard soon took advantage when Lestienne scored to put the hosts 1-0 up. However, despite that one man advantage Standard were pegged back nine minutes from time when one of their former players came back to haunt them. Mbokani, now 33-years old, was afforded too much time and space and punished the Standard Liege defence with a goal that earned ten-man Antwerp an unexpected point.

Anderlecht had to come from behind last weekend at home to Eupen to claim all three points, after Fall’s thirty-first minute effort put the visitors in front at the break. Early in the second half Verschaeren levelled the teams and in the sixty-fifth minute Santini completed the turnaround for Anderlecht. The hosts dominated the match with 63% of the overall possession and had sixteen shots, fully deserving of the three points against a Eupen side that offered very little going forward, but did defend well for the most part.

The history of this fixture and the similarity of the standard of both Anderlecht and Liege makes us believe we will see both teams score on Sunday, but our money is going on the hosts to claim all three points. The last four encounters between the pair have seen both teams score, and Standard have won three of the last five meetings. Both teams have scored in four of Standard’s and three of Anderlecht’s last six matches, which suggests we will see goals at both ends of the pitch on Sunday as well. Standard Liege have the home advantage, as well as form in their favour after winning four of their last six matches, and that’s why were backing the hosts to win.

Emond top scores for Standard Liege with eight league goals so far this season, while Dimata has thirteen and Santini has twelve First Division A goals for Anderlecht. We’re confident that both teams will score on Sunday, and have backed Standard Liege to win the game 2-1. The hosts are the clear form favourites and have a very good recent record against Anderlecht, while the visitors have only won two of their last six in all competitions.