Gent vs Anderlecht Prediction & Match Preview – 18 January

Gent vs Anderlecht Prediction & Match Preview for 18 January. As anticipation builds for this Belgian First Division A clash, Gent will host Anderlecht at the Planet Group Arena on Sunday, 18 January. This fixture promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for vital points in the league standings. Gent, playing on home turf, will look to use their familiarity with the Planet Group Arena to secure a win.

Anderlecht, meanwhile, will be determined to challenge Gent’s home advantage and climb further up the table. Both teams have demonstrated competitive form this season, making this match a significant one in the context of the First Division A. Fans and punters alike will be eager to see how the game unfolds, with both sides capable of delivering an entertaining and closely fought encounter.

Gent vs Anderlecht Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.8

The betting market offers attractive odds for Both Teams to Score (BTTS) at around 1.80, making it our recommended tip for this fixture. Considering Gent’s home advantage and Anderlecht’s recent head-to-head success, both sides have shown a tendency to find the net in previous meetings.

• Gent have scored in 80% of their matches this season, demonstrating consistent attacking output.
• Anderlecht have found the net in 75% of their matches this season, despite recent struggles in form.
• Both teams’ defensive records show they concede around 1.2–1.4 goals per game, increasing the likelihood of BTTS.

Given the attacking strengths and defensive weaknesses on both teams, BTTS – Yes stands out as a strong betting option.

Betting Odds

In this Belgian First Division A fixture, Anderlecht are considered slight favourites with odds of 2.19, reflecting their strong form this season. Gent, playing at home, are priced at 3.11, suggesting a tightly contested match at the Planet Group Arena.

Betting Tip	Odds
Gent to win	3.11
Draw	3.39
Anderlecht to win	2.19

The draw is also a tempting option at 3.39, especially given how closely matched these two sides are. For those considering alternative markets, both teams to score could be a smart choice given their attacking strengths.

Gent Analysis & Recent Performance

Gent’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Notably, Gent secured a 2-0 victory against Westerlo in the Jupiler League but recently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Anderlecht in the Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	Gent	1 – 0 (Loss)	Cup	15 Jan 2026
CFR Cluj	Gent	0 – 2 (Win)	Club Friendlies	9 Jan 2026
Gent	Westerlo	2 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	27 Dec 2025
Club Brugge	Gent	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Gent	Royal Antwerp	0 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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In terms of goal statistics, Gent have averaged 1.00 goal per match in their last five fixtures while conceding an average of 1.00 as well. They have kept two clean sheets in this period, highlighting some defensive resilience. However, their inconsistency, reflected in a 40% home win ratio, indicates room for improvement—particularly in converting chances. Currently eighth in the league with 26 points, their top scorer, Omri Gandelman, has been pivotal with 7 goals this season.

Gent: Suspensions & Injuries

Gent approach their match against Anderlecht with minimal injury concerns. The only notable absentee is Mathias Delorge, who is sidelined with an ankle injury and is being assessed on a day-to-day basis. While Delorge’s absence slightly reduces Gent’s midfield options, the squad’s depth should help offset any tactical disruptions.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mathias Delorge	Ankle injury	Day to day

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Gent manager Rik De Mil has the flexibility to maintain his preferred formation and playing style. The availability of key midfielders such as Atsuki Ito and Abdelkahar Kadri ensures Gent can continue their high-pressing approach, aiming to dominate possession and control the tempo against Anderlecht.

The limited impact of injuries and lack of suspensions means Gent can field a strong side, potentially giving them a slight advantage in this fixture. Bettors may wish to consider this stability when assessing Gent’s prospects of securing a positive result.

Gent: Key Players

Gent’s attacking threat this season has been led by their top scorer, Omri Gandelman, who has netted 7 goals. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant danger in the final third. Gandelman’s ability to link up with fellow forward Wilfried Kanga, who is also expected to play a prominent role up front, will be crucial in breaking down Anderlecht’s defence.

In midfield, Abdelkahar Kadri is a standout performer. His creativity and vision help Gent transition quickly from defence to attack, while Atsuki Ito’s energy and ball-winning abilities provide a solid platform. At the back, Siebe Van der Heyden’s presence is vital for stability, with his aerial strength and tackling key to neutralising opposition threats.

Expected lineup for Gent:

• Goalkeeper: Davy Roef
• Defence: Matisse Samoise, Matties Volckaert, Maksim Paskotsi, Siebe Van der Heyden, Tiago Araújo
• Midfield: Tibe De Vlieger, Abdelkahar Kadri, Atsuki Ito
• Forward: Hyllarion Goore, Wilfried Kanga

Gent: Tactics & Formation

Gent Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Wilfried Kanga
• Midfield Pivot: Atsuki Ito and Abdelkahar Kadri
• Defensive Strength: Defensive line led by Siebe Van der Heyden
• Notable Strategy: Balancing possession with direct attacking play.

Gent’s recent 4-4-2 setup offers balance, allowing them to exploit width while maintaining defensive solidity. Atsuki Ito and Abdelkahar Kadri are pivotal in midfield, responsible for disrupting opposition play and launching attacks. This partnership is key to controlling the tempo and transitioning quickly from defence to offence.

In attack, Gent rely on the physical presence and finishing of Wilfried Kanga. Supported by Hyllarion Goore, they form a strike partnership that looks to capitalise on crosses and through balls from the flanks.

Defensively, the backline—anchored by Siebe Van der Heyden—aims to provide stability, though recent matches have seen them concede crucial goals. Tightening up at the back will be a focus as they look to improve their clean sheet record.

Anderlecht Analysis & Recent Performance

Anderlecht’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Their most recent outing was a narrow 1-0 win over Gent in the Cup, demonstrating their ability to grind out results. However, their league form has been less consistent, as shown by a 1-2 home defeat to Sporting Charleroi.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	Gent	1 – 0 (Win)	Cup	15 Jan 2026
FC St. Gallen	Anderlecht	2 – 1 (Loss)	Club Friendlies	7 Jan 2026
Anderlecht	Sporting Charleroi	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	26 Dec 2025
Royal Antwerp	Anderlecht	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Anderlecht	St.Truiden	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking output, Anderlecht have averaged 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches, scoring 7 goals in total. Defensively, they have also conceded 7 goals (1.40 per game), managing just one clean sheet during this period. Their ability to score in four of their last five matches highlights a consistent attacking threat, though defensive frailties remain.

Their away form has been particularly challenging, with just 2 wins in their last 10 away fixtures—a win ratio of 0.20. This inconsistency on the road is an area they need to address to improve their standing, as they currently sit fourth in the league with 35 points. Key player Thorgan Hazard, with 6 goals, remains a crucial figure in their attack, and his form will be vital in upcoming matches.

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Anderlecht: Suspensions & Injuries

Anderlecht face notable challenges with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. César Huerta, Ludwig Augustinsson, and Marco Kana are all doubtful for the match with minor discomfort, muscle, and ankle injuries respectively. Their potential absence could weaken the team’s defensive and midfield options, especially given the importance of Augustinsson and Kana. Mario Stroeykens, sidelined with a knee injury until late January 2026, further adds to Anderlecht’s concerns.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
César Huerta	Minor discomfort	Doubtful
Ludwig Augustinsson	Muscle strain	Doubtful
Marco Kana	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Mario Stroeykens	Knee injury	Late January 2026

Lucas Hey is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, complicating Anderlecht’s defensive setup. The absence of Hey, who featured in the last defensive line, means Anderlecht may need to rely on less experienced players, potentially exposing them to Gent’s attacking threat.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Lucas Hey	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

With these absences, coach Besnik Hasi may need to adjust his tactical approach, possibly changing formations to accommodate available players. The lack of depth and experience in key areas could affect Anderlecht’s ability to control the game, making them potentially vulnerable. Bettors may see these unavailabilities as giving Gent an advantage, considering Anderlecht’s reduced squad strength.

Anderlecht: Key Players

Thorgan Hazard stands out as Anderlecht’s top scorer this season, with 6 goals. His attacking ability and knack for breaking defensive lines make him a constant threat. Operating in midfield, Hazard not only contributes goals but also orchestrates play, linking defence and attack. His vision and technical skills are crucial for Anderlecht’s tactical setup, often dictating the pace of the game.

Up front, Adriano Bertaccini and Nilson Angulo are expected to play key roles. Bertaccini’s agility and Angulo’s physical presence create a dynamic partnership capable of unsettling any defence. In defence, Mihajlo Ilić’s positioning and aerial prowess are vital for maintaining stability at the back. Collectively, these players drive Anderlecht’s strategy, focusing on quick transitions and solid defensive organisation.

Expected lineup for Anderlecht:

• Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans
• Defence: Ali Maamar, Killian Sardella, Mihajlo Ilić, Moussa N’Diaye
• Midfield: Nathan De Cat, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Thorgan Hazard
• Forward: Adriano Bertaccini, Nilson Angulo, Mihajlo Cvetković

The combination of Hazard’s creativity and the attacking threat from Bertaccini and Angulo is complemented by Ilić’s defensive resilience, giving Anderlecht a balanced and formidable lineup. This blend of skills is expected to shape their tactical approach, emphasising both attacking fluidity and defensive solidity.

Anderlecht: Tactics & Formation

Anderlecht Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Adriano Bertaccini
• Midfield Pivot: Nathan De Cat and Nathan Saliba
• Defensive Concerns: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong focus on midfield control and counter-attacks.

Anderlecht’s recent use of a 4-5-1 formation provides a strong midfield presence, with Nathan De Cat and Nathan Saliba responsible for both shielding the defence and launching attacks. Thorgan Hazard, in an advanced midfield role, is instrumental in linking play between defence and the lone striker, Adriano Bertaccini.

Defensively, Anderlecht’s backline—featuring Killian Sardella and Ludwig Augustinsson—has struggled for consistency, as shown by conceding in four of their last five matches. The lack of a settled goalkeeper further complicates their defensive solidity.

In attack, Anderlecht rely on quick transitions, with Tristan Degreef and Nilson Angulo providing width and pace. Despite a tactical focus on counter-attacking, their execution in front of goal has been inconsistent, with only one clean sheet in recent games.

Gent vs Anderlecht: Head-to-Head Record

Gent and Anderlecht have met 50 times, with Anderlecht leading the head-to-head with 22 wins to Gent’s 12, alongside 17 draws. The most recent meeting saw Anderlecht claim a 1-0 victory in the Cup, just days before this league fixture.

In the Belgian Pro League, Anderlecht have generally been dominant, but Gent managed to win the last time they hosted, beating Anderlecht 1-0 in February 2025. This demonstrates that while Anderlecht often have the upper hand, Gent are capable of pulling off a home victory.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Tournament	Date
Anderlecht	Gent	1 – 0	Cup	2026-01-15
Anderlecht	Gent	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-23
Gent	Anderlecht	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-04-27
Anderlecht	Gent	5 – 0	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-04-23
Gent	Anderlecht	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-02-02