// Opposition Analysis //

Tactical preview of Royal Antwerp ahead of their match against Rangers tonight.

Attacking organisation -

A consistent element in their play while attacking the final third is, if one wing-back is crossing, the other was supporting in the box. At the other end, you will also see them tucking in to support the three defenders.

Antwerp width - In Antwerp's no.9, they have a willing runner and strong hold-up player. To support him, the creative Refaelov and Gerkens were expected to play close to the striker.

To avoid congestion in the central areas, The fullbacks push high up the pitch and expected to stay wide. Antwerp stretches the play, with players like Refaelov creating overloads by switching to the flank. In the image below, both wing-backs are the 2 furthest forward.

Defensive Organisation/Transition - Antwerp's flexible high Press:

If Rangers use McGregor to play out from the back. Antwerp will look to force Rangers into going long more often, rather than allow them to play out from the back.

As we see from the example below, Antwerp has just lost the ball, and it has returned to the op. Instead of retreating and looking to create a defensive block that is hard to break down.

The Antwerp players immediately organise into a formation whereby the front three are occupying the home side’s defenders with a flexible man - orientated press, denying the keeper to pass out from the back.

When the opposition is advanced into their defensive third, you will also see the wide players tucking in to support the three defenders. With a narrow midfield minimising space exploitation by the opposition.

Attacking Transition - Gerkens or Hongla display great intent getting forward when in possession because Boya staying so disciplined in his holding role. With the support of the wing-backs, it meant numbers would flood forward to support Lamkel Ze and Refaelov.

Conclusion:
Antwerp, with their formation and tactics, will attempt to take advantage of the Rangers three forwards who to remain high up the pitch, in order to exploit the space out wide.

To combat this there will be plenty of chances for Rangers to get the ball wide. Both De Pauw & Lukaku are encouraged to push forward in order to create width. The three up front for Rangers, while not always high pressing, will be able to split between their defenders and FB's.