Antwerp manager Marvin Compper has warned his team about a difficult match against Cercle Brugge this weekend. He believes the opponents are far more talented than their bottom-of-the-table position in the Jupiler Pro League suggests. Cercle Brugge sit 18th with just three points from nine games, having recorded zero wins, three draws and six losses. Their next fixture is at home against 11th-placed Antwerp on Sunday. Antwerp, however, are arriving with recent form of two consecutive wins, against Heist and Charleroi.

Compper stressed in his press conference that the league table gives a distorted image. "Cercle has a very talented squad, who did not always get what they deserved." the manager said. Cercle lost 5-2 to Union last Saturday but had secured a win at Sporting Hasselt in their previous outing. Their recent form over the last four matches shows one win and three losses. The coach pointed out that his own team, despite the recent good results, still has an average of 1.8 goals conceded per game this season, a point of attention.

Competition in midfield

The coach has a selection headache in midfield. Arthur Vermeeren and Mathieu Deuff impressed in the starting lineup during recent wins over Heist and Charleroi. The return from suspension of Julián Benírez does not mean Compper is forced to make changes. "It's good that there is a lot of competition. Performing at the weekend doesn't mean you can slack off in training." Compper explained.

He also has a fully fit squad at his disposal. Compper praised the medical staff for their work, though he admitted you always have to keep your fingers crossed. His selection choices against Cercle will therefore be made on sporting merit, not out of necessity.

Challenge for Cercle

For Cercle Brugge, the meeting is a chance to break a negative cycle. Miron Muslic's team has conceded 21 goals this season and trails league leaders Club Brugge by 24 points. They have scored 11 goals in total. The last meeting between the sides, in January, ended in a 4-0 defeat for Cercle. The home game against Antwerp on November 1st is their next opportunity to pick up points in the league. Ngoura (penalty) and an own goal by a Union player, credited to M. Sylla. Their sole recent victory, a 1-2 win at Sporting Hasselt, featured goals from A. Manneh and S. Ngoura.

The report in full is at voetbalfocus.be