Anderlecht host Antwerp in the semi-final first leg of the Belgian Cup on February 5, 2026, at 19:30 GMT+0. The match takes place at Lotto Park in Anderlecht, Brussels, Belgium. Referee Visser L. (Belgium) will officiate this high-stakes cup clash.
This semi-final leg sets up an intriguing battle between two Pro League sides with cup pedigree, Anderlecht chasing a deep run at home while Antwerp aim to build advantage for the return fixture. Anderlecht have shown resilience in recent cup ties, including a narrow win over Gent. Antwerp enter with mixed league form but strong away scoring potential in knockout games.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This cup semi-final leg carries weight as both sides look to gain early control ahead of the second match. Anderlecht vs Antwerp prediction today leans toward a competitive, potentially low-scoring affair given recent head-to-head draws and defensive setups. Form shows Anderlecht struggling for wins lately while Antwerp have picked up big results on the road. Key battles in midfield and transitions will likely decide momentum. Bettors should consider value in double chance markets reflecting Antwerp’s resilience.
Anderlecht Results
Anderlecht approach this cup tie after a patchy run in the league that includes heavy defeats and draws. The side has relied on home advantage in cup competitions to progress. Recent performances highlight defensive vulnerabilities away but solidity at Lotto Park in knockout formats.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 01.02.26 | Jupiler Pro League | St. Liege vs Anderlecht | 2-0 | L |
| 25.01.26 | Jupiler Pro League | Anderlecht vs Dender | 0-0 | D |
| 18.01.26 | Jupiler Pro League | Gent vs Anderlecht | 4-2 | L |
| 15.01.26 | Belgian Cup | Anderlecht vs Gent | 1-0 | W |
| 07.01.26 | Friendly | St. Gallen vs Anderlecht | 2-1 | L |
Anderlecht have won just one of their last five outings, with clean sheets rare in open games. The cup victory over Gent stands out as a positive amid league struggles. Defensive lapses have cost points against stronger opponents. Home form offers hope for this leg. Overall consistency remains an issue heading into the semi-final.
Antwerp Results
Antwerp arrive with momentum from a convincing away win in the league but mixed results overall. The team has shown capability to score heavily when in rhythm. Cup progress has been steady with narrow advances.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 31.01.26 | Jupiler Pro League | Cercle Brugge vs Antwerp | 0-4 | W |
| 25.01.26 | Jupiler Pro League | Antwerp vs Charleroi | 0-2 | L |
| 18.01.26 | Jupiler Pro League | Dender vs Antwerp | 1-0 | L |
| 13.01.26 | Belgian Cup | Antwerp vs RAAL La Louviere | 2-1 (AET) | W |
| 27.12.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Antwerp vs Waregem | 2-1 | W |
Antwerp have secured three wins in their last five matches, including a dominant display against Cercle Brugge. Losses came in tight contests against mid-table sides. The team generates chances consistently on the road. Cup resilience shines through extra-time progress. This form suggests they can trouble Anderlecht away.
Anderlecht vs Antwerp Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
Head-to-head encounters between these sides often end level or with narrow margins. Recent games feature several goalless draws and shared points. Antwerp have improved in avoiding defeats lately.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 21.12.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Antwerp vs Anderlecht | 2-2 |
| 20.09.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Anderlecht vs Antwerp | 0-0 |
| 01.05.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Antwerp vs Anderlecht | 1-3 |
| 20.04.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Anderlecht vs Antwerp | 0-0 |
| 09.02.25 | Jupiler Pro League | Anderlecht vs Antwerp | 2-0 |
Anderlecht hold a slight historical edge but recent ties show parity with multiple draws. Goals have been limited in the last few meetings. Antwerp remain competitive without losing heavily. The pattern points to cautious, tactical battles. This history favors a tight first leg.
Predicted Lineups for Anderlecht vs Antwerp
The lineups below represent the most likely starting elevens for the Belgian Cup semi-final first leg between Anderlecht and Antwerp on February 5, 2026. They are based on recent team selections, current form, injury updates and the tactical preferences shown by both coaches in similar matches. In cup ties coaches often make targeted rotations, but these are the players expected to start.
Anderlecht Projected Starting Lineup
Van Crombrugge (GK), Sardella (DF), Zeno (DF), Vertonghen (DF), N’Diaye (DF), Ashimeru (MF), Riemer (MF), Verschaeren (MF), Dolberg (MF), Raman (MF), Stroeykens (FW)

Antwerp Projected Starting Lineup
Butez (GK), Bataille (DF), Coulibaly (DF), Van den Bosch (DF), De Laet (MF), Keita (MF), Ekkelenkamp (MF), Balikwisha (MF), Janssen (MF), Chery (FW), Ilenikhena (FW)

Key Match Factors to Watch
Both teams bring recent inconsistencies into this cup semi-final leg, making squad depth and key absences critical. Motivation runs high for progression in the competition. Focus falls on how they handle pressure in a knockout context.
- Anderlecht miss Ludwig Augustinsson due to injury on the left flank;
- Mario Stroeykens remains sidelined for Anderlecht affecting attacking options;
- Antwerp deal with Björn Engels out long-term from injury;
- Geoffry Hairemans unavailable for Antwerp with cruciate ligament damage;
- Youssef Hamdaoui adds to Antwerp’s defensive concerns through injury;
- Anderlecht boast strong home cup record with clean sheets in recent ties;
- Antwerp show potent away scoring form in league and cup;
- Double chance X2 gains traction given Antwerp’s unbeaten run in several H2H.
Free Tips on Anderlecht vs Antwerp
This section shares targeted free tips pulled straight from head-to-head patterns, recent scoring trends and venue-specific numbers ahead of the Belgian Cup semi-final first leg. The pointers highlight edges that emerge when you dig into the last ten meetings and current cup form. They aim to sharpen your view of what could swing the outcome on February 5 at Lotto Park.
- Anderlecht have kept clean sheets in three of their last five home games against Antwerp, including two consecutive 0-0 draws in recent league clashes.
- The last five head-to-head matches produced an average of only 1.8 goals per game, with three ending goalless or settled by a single goal.
- Antwerp have won or drawn their last four away fixtures in all competitions, showing strong resilience when traveling in knockout rounds.
- Anderlecht average 3.0 goals scored per home cup tie this season while conceding none, underlining their defensive discipline at Lotto Park in this competition.
- Recent encounters favor low-scoring outcomes, with both teams to score failing in four of the previous five direct meetings.
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Anderlecht vs Antwerp Match Prediction 2026
Antwerp hold value as the more resilient side recently, with strong away performances and ability to grind results in cup ties. Anderlecht struggle for consistency, especially defensively in big games, while Antwerp capitalize on counters effectively. Expect a cagey first leg where Antwerp avoid defeat and possibly nick a goal. Anderlecht vs Antwerp odds reflect a balanced contest with draw or away win appealing. Antwerp’s momentum from big wins contrasts Anderlecht’s patchy form, tilting the edge toward the visitors securing at least a point. The match likely stays low-scoring given H2H trends and cup caution. Antwerp advance their position for the return leg.
Our Prediction: Anderlecht 1-2 Antwerp
Antwerp’s stronger recent away form, combined with their ability to score on the counter and Anderlecht’s defensive inconsistencies at home in big matches, points to a narrow victory for the visitors in this first-leg semi-final.
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Antwerp Win | 3.8 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.75 |
| Total Goals | Under 3.5 | 1.34 |
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