Anderlecht vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Belgian Pro League clash. On paper, it's a no-brainer: mighty Anderlecht, sitting fourth, at home to RAAL La Louvière down in 15th. You'd fancy the home side to roll over 'em, wouldn't ya? But hold your horses, because the form book tells a very different story.

Anderlecht have been about as useful as a chocolate teapot lately. One win in their last ten games – that's the cold, hard truth. They've scored a measly seven goals in that run, and at home it's even worse, averaging just half a goal per game. They've been turned over by the likes of Genk (2-0), Standard Liege (2-0), and even lost at home to Charleroi. Their only recent win was a 1-0 cup squeaker against Gent. The attack has gone on holiday, and the confidence must be lower than a snake's belly.

Now, over to RAAL. They're no world-beaters, but they've got a bit about them, especially on their travels. They went to Club Brugge and won 3-2, nicked a draw at Antwerp in the cup, and only lost 2-1 to the league leaders, Union St. Gilloise. The key stat for them? Both teams have scored in a whopping 9 out of their last 10 matches. They score (1.67 per game away) but they also leak goals (1.67 conceded away). They're in the business of entertaining, whether they like it or not.

History says Anderlecht own this fixture, winning all three previous meetings. But the last two were tight 1-0 affairs, not the 7-1 thrashing of old. Anderlecht might still have that psychological edge, but based on current form, they'll do well to break down a RAAL side that's proven tricky.

So, what's the bet? The home win at 1.85 looks tempting for the big name, but their form is so rotten I can't touch it. The value, in my book, lies in Both Teams to Score. At odds of 2.01, it's offering a proper bit of value. RAAL find the net in almost every game they play, and Anderlecht, despite their struggles, are still creating chances at home (over 18 shots per game on average). They're due a goal, and RAAL's defence is charitable enough to oblige.

Key Points:

Anderlecht are in dire form: 1 win, 7 goals scored in their last 10 matches.

RAAL La Louvière are competitive on the road, with a win at Club Brugge and a draw at Antwerp this year.

Both Teams have Scored in 90% of RAAL's last 10 games.

Anderlecht's home attack is anaemic, averaging only 0.5 goals per game.

• Head-to-head favours Anderlecht, but the last two meetings were narrow 1-0 wins.

The Verdict:

Forget the league table for a minute. This is a game between a side that can't score and a side that can't stop conceding but always scores themselves. I fancy RAAL to get on the sheet, and Anderlecht to finally remember where the net is at home. The smart money here is on Both Teams to Score - Yes.