Kortrijk vs Antwerp - Jupiler Pro League

The history between Kortrijk and Antwerp lends this Jupiler Pro League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 15, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. K-League All-Stars v Manchester City: Confirmed line-ups as Maresca’s men face Korean test.

The standings add context to the occasion — Kortrijk occupying 18th, Antwerp perched in 11th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with LLLLL in their last five and a win rate of 0% that underscores the size of the task facing them. Antwerp have struggled to string results together away from home, LLLDW over their last five with a win rate of 33.33%. Where Kortrijk have leaned on defensive discipline, Antwerp have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position - which then resulted in the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Kortrijk will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Antwerp's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. But it was a dual role for Rayo because he was also among the top dozen players for blocking crosses and winning possession in the defensive third.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer M. Ubandoma, with 5 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Now Tutto Mercato are claiming £60m may be enough to convince Juventus to part with the centre-forward.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Antwerp look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 0-2 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.