In a thrilling Brussels derby set for May 10, 2025, Union St Gilloise is poised to take on RSC Anderlecht at Lotto Park, with significant implications for both teams in the title race. Union, currently leading the Champions Play-Offs, is just three wins away from securing their first top-flight title since 1935. A victory against Anderlecht would not only bolster their title ambitions but could also establish a crucial four-point cushion over their nearest rivals, Club Brugge, who are hot on their heels.
Union's head coach, Sebastian Pocognoli, is optimistic as he welcomes back some key players from injury. "Everyone is fit, except Guillaume François. Promise David can also start. He got kicked in the foot against Genk, but trained with the group again on Thursday," Pocognoli stated, highlighting the return of David, who is a pivotal figure in Union's attack.
David's presence is particularly significant as he has been recovering from an injury sustained in March against Antwerp. Pocognoli added, "As he told me, he’s available to the squad, so it’ll only be a bonus. He’s worked hard to be fit in training, and he doesn’t seem to have lost much physical fitness. He’ll bring a creative edge to the team." This is great news for Union, who need all hands on deck as they aim for the championship.
On the other side, Anderlecht is still reeling from their recent cup final defeat to Club Brugge. Coach Besnik Hasi has acknowledged the mental toll this loss may have on his squad as they prepare to face their local rivals. "It’s possible that this is a reaction to the Achilles tendon after such a serious injury," Hasi said regarding Jan Vertonghen's absence, as the defender is unavailable for this match after playing sixty minutes in the cup final.
Anderlecht sits comfortably in fourth place, but they are not out of contention for a higher finish, with the possibility of securing a European ticket still alive. Hasi emphasized the need for his players to focus on their own ambitions, stating, "That straitjacket of rules is almost impossible to follow, but we focus on progress and a sense of revenge after the first leg. We only have eyes for our own work: giving everything and carrying out our tasks."
As for the match itself, it promises to be an intense affair. Union has dominated their recent encounters, winning twelve out of the last seventeen meetings against Anderlecht. This record adds an extra layer of pressure on Anderlecht to perform, especially in front of their home crowd. Hasi has made one change to his lineup compared to the cup final, bringing in Angulo for Edozie, who is not in the selection. Angulo will join Dolberg and Hazard in the attacking front, tasked with finding the back of the net.
For Union, Pocognoli has opted to start Fuseini in place of David, who will begin the match on the bench. Pocognoli is counting on his ex-Anderlecht players, El Hadj and Sadiki, to make a significant impact in the midfield. The stakes are high as Union knows that winning their remaining matches will secure them the championship title.
The match kicks off at 20:45 CET, and both teams are poised to give their all in this crucial derby. With Union looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in the playoffs and Anderlecht aiming for redemption after their cup final defeat, fans can expect a fiercely competitive encounter.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the atmosphere is electric. Union knows what they must do: win three more matches to claim the title. But with Anderlecht eager to prove their mettle and secure a European spot, the outcome remains uncertain. Will Union solidify their title ambitions, or will Anderlecht rise to the occasion and play spoiler? Only time will tell as these two rivals clash in what promises to be a memorable derby.
