Antwerp vs KV Mechelen Prediction: The home team will not disappoint

Bosuilstadion will host the Jupiler Pro League encounter between Antwerp and KV Mechelen. The last time out in a league game, the two teams ended up on the losing end. Which side will pick themselves and win this one?

Antwerp will look to return to winning ways in this fixture following a defeat to Club Brugge last weekend. In the meantime, that defeat made it the second time this team will lose a league encounter this season, having suffered a 1-2 defeat to Anderlecht. Yet, the home team secured wins over Charleroi and St. Truiden in two of their matches this season, which give them six points from a possible 12. In the standings, Antwerp are seated 6th, scoring eight goals and conceding 4. 

KV Mechelen were defeated by Anderlecht in their last league game, which ended 1-3. In that game, this team did take the lead in the 23rd minute through Lion Lauberbach’s strike. However, their opponent scored twice before the break and needed a 90th-minute goal from Theo Leoni to seal the win. In the meantime, looking at KV Mechelen’s first four games of the season, they won two and drew two. In those matches, this team conceded four goals while scoring four of their own. 

In the last five meetings between these sides, Antwerp won twice, while KV Mechelen won only once. However, two other encounters ended in a draw at regular time. 

Antwerp’s chances of winning this game are high. KV Mechelen have played below par this season, comparing them to what we saw last season. However, while this is a chance for them to win, I believe their poor defensive record will be an issue for them, and with Antwerp exploring that opportunity, a win in each half for the host is possible.