Anderlecht vs. Hacken Tips and Odds – 24/07/2025

• Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
• Venue: Lotto Park, Brussels, Belgium
• Fixture: Anderlecht vs BK Häcken (Europa League Second Qualifying Round, First Leg)

The Story So Far

European nights return to Lotto Park as Anderlecht are set to host Sweden’s BK Häcken for a battle in the UEFA Europa League’s qualifying rounds. After a summer of transfer intrigue and squad reshuffling, both teams will be eager to make a continental statement. Anderlecht, returning from the Belgian summer break, aim to shake off last season’s near-misses, while Häcken come in match-hardened after a relentless Swedish campaign.

Anderlecht’s pre-season form has offered cautious optimism, featuring a tight 1-0 win over FCV Dender EH and a draw against AEK Larnaca. Yet, their official competitive tail-end from last season painted a mixed picture: a 1-2 defeat to Genk, 1-3 to Club Brugge, and a narrow 0-1 to Union SG showed some vulnerability in crunch moments. Key injuries—such as Ilay Camara (muscle injury) and doubts around Colin Coosemans (goalkeeper)—could weigh heavily, especially with Killian Sardella (thigh) joined on the sidelines by Cedric Hatenboer (head injury).

BK Häcken arrive fresher from competitive rhythm, coming off a hard-fought progression against Spartak Trnava in the previous qualifying round (1-0 away, 2-2 at home), and having split recent form with a 0-0 draw and 4-1 win against Halmstad in the Allsvenskan. However, they too have injury concerns, especially in defense—Leo Väisänen, Johan Hammar, Jacob Laursen, Brice Wembangomo, and Peter Abrahamsson are all out, as well as recent fitness questions about Ramon-Pascal Lundqvist and Lucas Kåhed. This leaves the Swedish side thin at the back as they prepare for a hostile Brussels reception.

Tactical Preview

Anderlecht typically look to control possession with their blend of youth and experience. Veteran Jan Vertonghen’s composed leadership at the back—likely alongside Jan Carlo Simic and Lucas Hey—anchors a unit that relies on Mats Rits and Thorgan Hazard to set the tempo in midfield. Out wide and up front, Nilson Angulo and Kasper Dolberg should provide the spark, with Degreef and Stroeykens expected to offer youthful exuberance on the flanks.

Häcken are never shy in attack, shown by their 47% “both teams to score” rate and 3.27 average goals per game. Simon Gustafson pulls the creative strings, with Mikkel Rygaard and Sanders Ngabo providing box-to-box running. Their fluid formation favors fast transitions and pressing high, but with so many defensive absences, expect coach Per-Mathias Høgmo to take fewer risks than usual.

The dynamic could hinge on midfield battles and whether Häcken’s depleted defense can withstand early pressure. Anderlecht’s set-piece prowess could be vital, especially with the Swedes’ injury-induced reshuffles. Both coaches may field slightly conservative starting elevens, mindful of the two-legged format and the risk of conceding away goals.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

This marks the first ever competitive meeting between the clubs. Anderlecht come in unbeaten in pre-season, but ended last season with four straight defeats. Häcken have won three of their last five and are buoyed by their Swedish Cup triumph, though inconsistency remains a concern. The Belgian side averages 1.55 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match, while Häcken tallies 1.6 for and 1.67 against—suggesting the attacking talent on display could trump any early-season rust.

Key Players to Watch

• Anderlecht:
  • Kasper Dolberg: Proven European goal threat; will lead the line and test Häcken’s patched defense.
  • Jan Vertonghen: His experience will be crucial at the back, especially with potential absentees.
  • Thorgan Hazard: Creative fulcrum in midfield, returning from injury troubles and eager to impress.
• BK Häcken:
  • Simon Gustafson: Chief orchestrator; scored in the previous round and is essential for attacking transitions.
  • Amor Layouni: Pacesetter on the wing, useful on counter-attacks in a potentially stretched game.
  • Mikkel Rygaard: The Swede’s all-action style and recent goalscoring form could tip the midfield contest.

Prediction

With Anderlecht’s comparative squad depth, home crowd, and sharper individual talent, odds favor the Belgian giants to edge this first leg. Häcken, having played more competitive football lately, won’t be easy to break down but their injury list may make the difference. Expect Anderlecht to control possession, but Häcken remain a threat on the break. A nervous, goal-filled encounter seems likely.

Predicted Score: Anderlecht 2-1 BK Häcken

Betting Markets & Odds

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Get ready for a European battle under the Brussels lights—where tradition, injury woes, and attacking intent guarantee drama from the first whistle!