Tonight the 23rd match day of the Jupiler Pro League opens with the confrontation between STVV and Antwerp. Both teams have their own reasons to compete for the points, although the home team is in a more difficult position.
With 22 points, STVV is in a disappointing 14th place and feels the pressure of the play-downs increasing. Antwerp, currently fifth with 36 points, wants to keep the connection with the top four.
It is almost three years since STVV managed to win from Antwerp. On November 21, 2021, the Kanaries defeated the Great Old with 2-1 on Stayen. Since then, Antwerp had the predominance with four wins and two equal games in the mutual duels. Can STVV turn the tide tonight?
The X-Factor: Lamkel Zé en De Roeck
A striking name at STVV is Didier Lamkel Zé, who will take on his ex-team tonight. The flamboyant attacker will be keen to show himself against Antwerp.
-There are also acquaintances among the visitors: Jonas De Roeck, current coach of Antwerp, knows Stayen through and through. He was previously at the helm of STVV and led the team 39 games as head coach. Dennis Odoi, came over this summer, is also an ex-canary.
Two weeks ago, STVV had a boost with a 1-2 win over Westerlo, but went down a week later against Standard (1-2). This changingness ensures that the team now has to fight to stay above the play-downs. Antwerp, on the other hand, was not easy against Westerlo last week. Thanks to a late winning goal in the 97th minute, they kept the three points at home (3-2).
The visitors have to do it without any important players. Dennis Praet dropped out two weeks ago with a muscle rupture and is not available. Michel-ange Balikwisha is also still on the side. That can give STVV courage to make it difficult for Antwerp on its own field.
