Anderlecht vs Cercle Brugge Predictions

Anderlecht, projected to be in the top six with around 48 points from 29 matches, come off a projected 2-0 loss to Westerlo (March 9, 2025), aiming to secure a Championship Playoff spot with a strong home finish. Cercle Brugge, likely mid-table with approximately 35 points from 29 matches, arrive after a projected 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge (March 9, 2025), fighting to avoid the relegation playoff zone. This preview examines team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to predict the outcome of this decisive encounter.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Anderlecht

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 14W, 6D, 9L in Pro League (48 points, 5th); 5W, 2D, 3L in Conference League and other competitions

• Latest Results: 2-0 loss vs. Westerlo (Pro League, March 9, 2025); 2-1 win vs. Kortrijk (Pro League, March 2, 2025)

• Home Form: 8W, 3D, 3L (24 goals scored, 12 conceded in受験 Pro League)
  Anderlecht have been formidable at home, winning three of their last five matches across all competitions. They average 1.71 goals scored and 0.86 conceded per game at Lotto Park, reflecting a potent attack and stout defense. Their projected loss to Westerlo snaps a decent run, but their historical dominance over Cercle Brugge at home offers hope.

Cercle Brugge

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 10W, 5D, 14L in Pro League (35 points, 10th); 4W, 2D, 3L in Conference League and other competitions

• Latest Results: 3-1 loss vs. Club Brugge (Pro League, March 9, 2025); 2-0 win vs. Jagiellonia Białystok (Conference League, March 6, 2025)

• Away Form: 4W, 2D, 8L (16 goals scored, 24 conceded in Pro League)
  Cercle Brugge have been inconsistent on the road, with two wins in their last five games. They average 1.14 goals scored and 1.71 conceded per game away, showing a decent attack but defensive frailties. Their projected loss to Club Brugge extends a seven-game winless league streak, making this trip to Anderlecht a steep challenge.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Anderlecht 82W, Cercle Brugge 27W, 21D (130 meetings since 1921)

• Recent Meeting: November 10, 2024: Cercle Brugge 1-1 Anderlecht (Pro League)

• Key Trend: Anderlecht are unbeaten in their last 6 H2Hs (5W, 1D); 67% of recent meetings saw under 2.5 goals
  Anderlecht have a commanding historical edge, with five wins in their last six meetings, including a 3-0 win at Cercle in November 2023. Matches average 2.33 goals recently, and Anderlecht’s last five home games against Cercle produced clean sheets in four (e.g., 2-0 in March 2024), suggesting a tough night for the visitors.

Key Players to Watch

Anderlecht

• Anders Dreyer (FWD): 8 goals, 6 assists in Pro League; clinical winger with flair.

• Mario Stroeykens (MID): 5 goals, 4 assists in Pro League; emerging playmaker in midfield.

• Kasper Schmeichel (GK): 7 clean sheets in Pro League; veteran keeper under pressure.

Cercle Brugge

• Kévin Denkey (FWD): 7 goals, 3 assists in Pro League; Togo striker and primary threat.

• Thibo Somers (MID): 4 goals, 4 assists in Pro League; versatile attacker with energy.

• Jesper Daland (GK): 5 clean sheets in Pro League; key to defensive resistance.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Anderlecht’s 4-3-3 (1.62 goals per game in Pro League) thrives on Dreyer’s finishing and Stroeykens’ creativity, likely dominating with 55% possession at home to exploit Cercle’s defense (1.55 goals conceded per game). Injuries to Théo Leoni (knee), Kasper Dolberg (shoulder), and Yari Verschaeren (ankle) persist, but Ludwig Augustinsson returns from suspension. Cercle’s 4-2-3-1 (1.31 goals per game in Pro League) relies on Denkey’s poaching and Somers’ dynamism, aiming for 45% possession to counter, with Paris Brunner doubtful (injury). The 28,000 fans at Lotto Park will rally Anderlecht, suggesting a match where the hosts’ home strength and historical edge could overpower Cercle’s fading form.

Prediction: Anderlecht vs Cercle Brugge

Our Prediction: Anderlecht to Win +0

Corner - Over 5.5 (Team 1)