Preview: Francs Borains vs. Royal Antwerp B

BRUSSELS (Interstat) — The Belgian First Amateur Division opens its 2025-26 season Sunday with Francs Borains hosting Royal Antwerp B at Stade Robert Urbain.

The match, scheduled for Dec. 21, marks the beginning of the league’s Week 1 calendar. It pits a Francs Borains side seeking a strong start at home against the reserve squad of top-flight club Royal Antwerp.

Recent form offers contrasting narratives for the two clubs. Francs Borains last played over two months ago, recording a 2-2 home draw with Merelbeke on Oct. 4. Their other results this season include a 2-1 road win at Sint-Eloois-Winkel on Aug. 26 and a 2-1 loss at VK Ninove on Sept. 6.

Royal Antwerp B, whose results do not impact the senior club’s Pro League standing, enters with more recent momentum. The visitors earned a 2-0 victory over Tienen on Nov. 2 in their last outing.

Statistical projections for the contest present a direct conflict. The Interstat game simulator predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors, Royal Antwerp II. However, the same organization’s ELO rating system heavily favors the hosts, giving Francs Borains a 74.90 percent probability to win.

The discrepancy highlights the unique challenge of forecasting matches involving reserve teams, whose lineups can fluctuate based on the needs of their parent clubs. Royal Antwerp B will aim to translate its senior club’s professional structure into a positive result on the road.

For Francs Borains, the extended break since their last match raises questions about match sharpness, but they will rely on home-field advantage to begin their campaign with three points.

Kickoff is set for Sunday afternoon local time in Boussu.