The reigning Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise are set to kick off the 2025/2026 Jupiler Pro League season this Friday with an away clash against Royal Antwerp.
Excited? We certainly are and you can check out our betting preview of this intriguing match, along with betting tips to help guide your bet on football through our new-look online betting platform.
And don’t forget to use our Cash Out feature to secure your potential winnings before the final whistle!
Royal Antwerp vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Match Preview
Union Saint-Gilloise haven’t lost any key players this summer, apart from goalkeeper Anthony Moris, who transferred to Saudi Arabia after five solid seasons at the club.
But on the bright side, they’ve managed to retain their core players, including star striker Franjo Ivanovic, who finished as the club’s top scorer last season and remains their main attacking threat.
Royal Antwerp, meanwhile, remain a solid side but need to improve on their consistency. After finishing last season outside the top three, they missed out on European qualification.
That said, the Antwerp squad will be counting on their home crowd and new signings to help them launch their campaign on the right foot – and ultimately compete with the league’s top contenders.
Royal Antwerp vs Union Saint-Gilloise: The Betting Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Union Saint-Gilloise are slight favourites with odds of 2.15 for a win. A Royal Antwerp victory is priced at 3.30, while a draw sits at 3.70.
Royal Antwerp vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Our Betting Tips
Union Saint-Gilloise to win @ 2.15
USG were nearly unstoppable at the end of last season and deservedly went on to claim the Pro League title. Now, the Brussels-based side will look to confirm their status with a strong start to the new campaign. Franjo Ivanovic and his teammates will also be keen to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge in last weekend’s Belgian Super Cup.
Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.09
Even with Ivanovic leading the line, opening games tend to be more tactical than explosive. Teams are still shaking off the pre-season rust, and chemistry may not be fully developed yet. It is also important to remember that defences tend to stay cautious on Matchday 1. A tight scoreline like 0-1 or 1-1 seems quite likely.
Half-time / Full-time: Draw / Union Saint-Gilloise @ 5.50
Just like in the Super Cup, USG might need time to impose their rhythm. A balanced first half followed by a stronger second-half showing from the visitors — thanks to their undeniable attacking edge — is a realistic scenario.
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