Union Saint-Gilloise vs Royal Antwerp Prediction, Match Preview, 21 February

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Royal Antwerp Prediction, Match Preview, 21 February. As we look ahead to this intriguing clash in the Belgian First Division A, Union Saint-Gilloise will host Royal Antwerp at the historic Stade Joseph Marien. This fixture is set for Saturday, 21 February, and promises to be a compelling encounter between two of Belgium’s top teams.

Union Saint-Gilloise, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Stade Joseph Marien to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Royal Antwerp, known for their resilient performances, will be eager to challenge their hosts and climb the league standings. With both teams vying for crucial points, this fixture could have significant implications for their respective campaigns in the First Division A.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Royal Antwerp Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Union Saint-Gilloise to Win	1.65

Considering current form and the historical head-to-head record, our recommended betting tip is for Union Saint-Gilloise to win. Union’s consistent home performances and Antwerp’s struggles away from home make this a solid pick.

• Union Saint-Gilloise are unbeaten in their last five matches and have an impressive home record.
• Royal Antwerp have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, particularly in away games.
• Union Saint-Gilloise have scored in 100% of their home matches this season, demonstrating their attacking prowess.

Betting Odds

Union Saint-Gilloise step onto their home turf as clear favourites with odds at 1.44, reflecting their strong league form. Royal Antwerp, on the other hand, are seen as underdogs with odds of 6.83, but they could surprise given their ability to perform in big matches.

Betting Tip	Odds
Union Saint-Gilloise to win	1.44
Draw	4.24
Royal Antwerp to win	6.83

The draw is priced at 4.24, which could be tempting for those expecting a tightly contested match. With Union’s attacking strength, betting on over 2.5 goals might also be worth considering.

Union Saint-Gilloise Analysis & Past Performance

Union Saint-Gilloise have been performing consistently well, maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws. Notably, their recent draw against Standard Liège ended 1-1, showcasing their ability to dominate possession with 66% and create 14 shots, double that of their opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Standard Liège	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Feb 2026
Union Saint-Gilloise	Sporting Charleroi	4 – 1 (Win)	Cup	11 Feb 2026
Union Saint-Gilloise	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	8 Feb 2026
Sporting Charleroi	Union Saint-Gilloise	0 – 0 (Draw)	Cup	4 Feb 2026
Union Saint-Gilloise	Club Brugge	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	1 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• DWWDW

Union Saint-Gilloise have been effective in front of goal, averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings, while their defence has been robust, conceding just 0.60 goals per match and achieving two clean sheets. Their home form is particularly formidable, with a perfect record of five wins in their last five home games, highlighting their strong defensive and attacking balance.

Union Saint-Gilloise Suspensions & Injuries

Union Saint-Gilloise face a few injury concerns that could impact their tactical setup against Royal Antwerp. Kevin Rodríguez is doubtful with a back injury, which may force a reshuffle in their defensive line. Mamadou Thierno Barry is expected to return in a few days, but his absence might still affect the squad’s depth in midfield. Additionally, goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen is sidelined until early March 2026, necessitating reliance on Vic Chambaere between the posts, who has featured in the recent line-up.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Kevin Rodríguez	Back injury	Doubtful
Mamadou Thierno Barry	Unknown	Few days
Kjell Scherpen	Unknown	Early March 2026
Ousseynou Niang	Knee injury	Late March 2026

Ousseynou Niang’s knee injury keeps him out until late March 2026, a blow to the midfield options for Union Saint-Gilloise. His absence could see Anan Khalaili or Adem Zorgane taking on more significant roles in central areas, adjusting the balance of the team’s midfield dynamics. These injuries might compel coach David Hubert to consider tactical adjustments, possibly altering the formation to ensure stability.

With these key players missing, Union Saint-Gilloise may face challenges in maintaining their usual defensive solidity and midfield control. This situation could influence betting markets, with potential shifts in odds reflecting the team’s reduced depth and the necessity to adapt strategically against a competitive Royal Antwerp side.

Union Saint-Gilloise Key Players

Union Saint-Gilloise’s attack will be spearheaded by Promise David, who is the team’s top scorer with nine goals this season. Known for his clinical finishing and agility, David is expected to be a constant threat to Royal Antwerp’s defence. His ability to exploit spaces and convert chances will be pivotal for Union Saint-Gilloise’s offensive strategy.

In midfield, Adem Zorgane and Anouar Aït El Hadj are key figures. Zorgane’s vision and passing range provide the creative spark needed to unlock defences, while Aït El Hadj’s dribbling skills and work rate ensure a strong link between the midfield and attack. Their synergy will be crucial in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game.

Expected line-up for Union Saint-Gilloise

• Goalkeeper: Vic Chambaere
• Defence: Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Ross Sykes
• Midfield: Anan Khalaili, Adem Zorgane, Kamiel van de Perre, Louis Patris, Anouar Aït El Hadj, Mohammed Fuseini
• Forward: Promise David

Defensively, Christian Burgess stands out as a leader in the backline. His aerial prowess and tackling ability are vital in thwarting opposition attacks. Alongside him, Kevin Mac Allister and Ross Sykes will need to maintain their defensive solidity to keep Royal Antwerp’s forwards at bay. This defensive trio’s coordination and resilience will be essential in securing a clean sheet.

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactics and Formation

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Promise David
• Midfield Engine: Adem Zorgane and Kamiel van de Perre
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with emphasis on width.

Union Saint-Gilloise are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, providing a robust structure that promotes both defensive stability and attacking depth. The midfield trio of Adem Zorgane, Kamiel van de Perre, and Anouar Aït El Hadj is pivotal. They are tasked with not only breaking up opposition play but also initiating attacks through precise passing and movement.

Defensively, the back three of Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, and Ross Sykes are crucial in maintaining Union Saint-Gilloise’s impressive record of clean sheets. Their ability to intercept and tackle, combined with the support from wing-backs Louis Patris and Mohammed Fuseini, forms a formidable defensive unit.

Offensively, Union Saint-Gilloise focus on maintaining high possession and utilising the width provided by their wing-backs. Promise David, as the key forward, is integral to converting possession into goals, relying on his positioning and finishing skills. This strategy has been effective, as evidenced by their consistent scoring in recent matches.

Royal Antwerp Analysis & Past Performance

Royal Antwerp’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a concerning record of four losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent defeats include a 0-2 loss to Westerlo and a heavy 0-4 defeat by Anderlecht, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Tournament	Date
Royal Antwerp	Westerlo	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Jupiler League	15 Feb 2026
Royal Antwerp	Anderlecht	0 – 4 (Defeat)	Cup	12 Feb 2026
KV Mechelen	Royal Antwerp	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Jupiler League	8 Feb 2026
Anderlecht	Royal Antwerp	0 – 1 (Victory)	Cup	5 Feb 2026
Cercle Brugge	Royal Antwerp	0 – 4 (Victory)	Jupiler League	31 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Royal Antwerp have averaged 0.80 goals scored per match while conceding an average of 1.40 goals. This has resulted in only one win during this period and indicates a struggling attacking force. Their defence has managed just one clean sheet, further underscoring their current challenges in maintaining defensive solidity.

Royal Antwerp’s away form this season shows a slightly better picture, with three wins out of their last five away fixtures, demonstrating a 60% away win ratio. However, maintaining this momentum seems difficult given their current three-match losing streak. Key player Vincent Janssen remains a crucial figure in their attack, having scored seven goals this season.

• LLLWW

Royal Antwerp Suspensions & Injuries

Royal Antwerp face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Björn Engels, a central figure in defence, is doubtful with a hamstring injury, which may force coach Joseph Oosting to make tactical adjustments at the back. Mauricio Benítez, another player struggling with a hamstring issue, adds to Antwerp’s selection headaches, potentially impacting the team’s midfield dynamics.

Geoffry Hairemans’ absence with a cruciate ligament injury until early April further complicates matters, reducing options in the attacking midfield role. Rein Van Helden, expected to return by late February, also suffers from a hamstring injury, which could limit rotational options in midfield during this crucial period.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Björn Engels	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Geoffry Hairemans	Cruciate Ligament Injury	Early April 2026
Mauricio Benítez	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Rein Van Helden	Hamstring Injury	Late February 2026

The lack of suspensions allows Antwerp to consider their full complement of available players for tactical adjustments. However, the absence of such integral squad members might influence betting markets, as Antwerp’s depth and ability to field their strongest eleven are tested. The team will need to rely heavily on squad depth and potential tactical shifts to maintain their competitive edge.

With injuries affecting key areas, Antwerp might need to lean on younger talents or less experienced squad members to fill the gaps. This could see a change in formation or style, as they aim to compensate for the absence of these pivotal players and maintain their performance levels in the upcoming fixture against Union Saint-Gilloise.

Royal Antwerp Key Players

Leading the Royal Antwerp attack is Vincent Janssen, their top scorer with seven goals this season. Janssen’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His role as a forward is pivotal in converting opportunities into goals, and his partnership with Gerard Vandeplas is expected to be central to Antwerp’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Dennis Praet stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial for dictating Antwerp’s play. Alongside him, Gyrano Kerk adds dynamism and flair, offering creativity and the ability to break lines with his dribbling skills. Defensively, the trio of Zeno Van Den Bosch, Yuto Tsunashima, and Andreas Verstraeten must be resolute in their efforts to shield goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa, ensuring a solid backline.

Expected line-up for Royal Antwerp

• Goalkeeper: Taishi Brandon Nozawa
• Defence: Zeno Van Den Bosch, Yuto Tsunashima, Andreas Verstraeten
• Midfield: Dennis Praet, Thibo Somers, Gyrano Kerk, Xander Dierckx, Daam Foulon
• Forward: Vincent Janssen, Gerard Vandeplas

These key players not only define Royal Antwerp’s tactical approach but also highlight their strengths, such as a strong attacking presence and a balanced midfield. Their contributions are vital in shaping the outcome of the match against Union Saint-Gilloise.

Royal Antwerp Tactics and Formation

Royal Antwerp Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Vincent Janssen
• Midfield Pivot: Dennis Praet and Thibo Somers
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded in four of the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counterattacks and utilising wing play.

Royal Antwerp typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, which allows them to maintain a compact defensive shape while being flexible in attack. The midfield pairing of Dennis Praet and Thibo Somers is crucial, balancing between breaking up opposition play and launching counterattacks.

In the attacking third, Vincent Janssen is the main target man, supported by Gyrano Kerk and the dynamic wing play of Xander Dierckx and Daam Foulon. This setup aims to exploit spaces on the flanks and create opportunities for crosses into the box.

Defensively, Antwerp face challenges, having conceded in four of their last five matches, indicating vulnerabilities that need addressing. Their strategy often involves soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the counterattack, though this has led to inconsistent results and a lack of clean sheets.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Royal Antwerp H2H Record

The head-to-head record between Union Saint-Gilloise and Royal Antwerp is perfectly balanced, with 14 wins each and seven draws. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Antwerp’s ground in the Belgian Pro League. Notably, the last time they met in the First Division A was in December 2024, when Union Saint-Gilloise secured a 2-1 victory at home.

Union Saint-Gilloise will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage at Stade Joseph Marien, where they last hosted Antwerp in March 2025, thrashing them 5-1 in the Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group. This result highlights Union’s potential to dominate at home, making them a formidable opponent.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Royal Antwerp	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-07-25
Royal Antwerp	Union Saint-Gilloise	0 – 4	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-05-17
Union Saint-Gilloise	Royal Antwerp	5 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-03-29
Royal Antwerp	Union Saint-Gilloise	5 – 1	Cup	2025-01-08
Union Saint-Gilloise	Royal Antwerp	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-12-01