Anderlecht vs Ludogorets Prediction: 24/10/2024

Anderlecht are not just participating in the Europa League to make up the numbers, as they’ve already secured two wins in their first two matches: a 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros and a 2-1 away triumph against Real Sociedad, which was a significant test for the Belgian side.

Their strong form in Europe doesn’t seem to be affecting their domestic performance either. Before the international break, they recorded a dominant 3-0 win against Standard de Liège at home. Last weekend, they had the chance to claim back-to-back wins in the league against Beerschot, who are struggling at the bottom of the Jupiler League and have yet to win a game this season. A win could propel Anderlecht into the top three of the Belgian league standings.

In contrast, Ludogorets have had a rocky start in the Europa League, losing 2-0 to Slavia Prague and managing only a 0-0 draw against Plzen. However, they’ve been faring better in the Bulgarian league, where they’ve won five consecutive matches before their trip to Septemvri Sofia.

Those victories came against Lokomotiv Plovdiv (1-0), Botev Vratsa (2-0), Lokomotiv Sofia (2-0), Slavia Sofia (1-0), and Krumovgrad (3-0), securing their position at the top of the Bulgarian league standings.

On the injury front, Anderlecht are still without striker Francis Amuzu, who hasn’t returned to action since getting injured on the first day. Thorgan Hazard, out since April, midfielder Marco Kana, veteran defender Jan Vertonghen, and midfielder Leander Dendoncker (on loan from Aston Villa) are also sidelined.

However, Swedish full-back Ludwig Augustinsson has returned, along with Dreyer (1 goal, 1 assist in the league). Forward Kasper Dolberg (2 goals in the league) and young prospect Mario Stroeykens (2 goals, 4 assists in the Jupiler League) will be available as well. Substitute Angulo, who was suspended after the first match, is eligible again.

As for Ludogorets, Tekpetey and Tissera are out of this competition, and Nedyalkov, a minor player in the rotation, is injured. Nevertheless, the key players from their strong start to the season, including Brazilian forwards Seco (4 goals) and Rick (3 goals, 3 assists), as well as Spanish midfielder Son (2 goals, 1 assist), should be part of the traveling squad. Delev (2 goals in the Bulgarian league) is also back in the lineup after missing the second Europa League match.

 

Prediction

Anderlecht have seen 11 of their last 16 Europa League home matches end with fewer than 2.5 goals. Similarly, Ludogorets’ last 10 out of 12 away matches in the competition have also featured under 2.5 goals. Given these trends, another low-scoring affair is likely when these two teams face off at the Anderlecht Stadium.

Prediction: Anderlecht 0-1 Ludogorets