Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi Prediction & Match Preview (26 December)

In the upcoming Belgian First Division A clash, Anderlecht will host Sporting Charleroi at Lotto Park on Friday, 26 December. This encounter promises to be intriguing as both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the league table. Anderlecht, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to secure a vital win, while Sporting Charleroi will be eager to upset the hosts and claim valuable points on the road.

The significance of this match cannot be understated, as both Anderlecht and Sporting Charleroi are keen to make their mark in the Belgian First Division A. With the season progressing, every point becomes crucial, and this fixture at Lotto Park could have a substantial impact on the league standings. Fans can expect a competitive and closely contested match as these two Belgian sides battle it out under the lights.

Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Anderlecht to Win	1.77

Given Anderlecht’s solid form and home advantage, backing the hosts to win at odds of 1.65 offers good value. Anderlecht’s superior head-to-head record, coupled with Charleroi’s inconsistency and key absences, makes this a favourable bet.

• Anderlecht are unbeaten in eight consecutive home matches, showcasing strong form at Lotto Park.
• Sporting Charleroi have managed just one win in their last five fixtures, highlighting their inconsistency.
• Charleroi’s line-up is weakened by the absence of key players, notably first-choice goalkeeper Theo Defourny.

Betting Odds

Anderlecht enter this match as clear favourites with odds of 1.77, reflecting their strong home advantage at Lotto Park. Sporting Charleroi, meanwhile, are priced at 4.47, suggesting a tough challenge ahead for the visitors.

Betting Tip	Odds
Anderlecht to win	1.77
Draw	3.52
Sporting Charleroi to win	4.47

With a draw priced at 3.52, there is potential value for those expecting a tightly contested affair. Bettors may also wish to explore markets such as both teams to score, given the attacking talent on display.

Anderlecht Analysis & Recent Performance

Anderlecht’s recent form has been solid, with notable performances in their last five matches. They have secured three wins, one draw, and one defeat, reflecting a win ratio of 60%. This includes a recent 2-2 away draw against Royal Antwerp, where they managed to score twice despite conceding the same number.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Royal Antwerp	Anderlecht	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Anderlecht	St.Truiden	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
Westerlo	Anderlecht	4 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
Genk	Anderlecht	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 2) (Win)	Cup	4 Dec 2025
Anderlecht	Union St.Gilloise	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking prowess, Anderlecht have averaged 1.60 goals per game over their last five outings, with a total of eight goals scored. Defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match, with only one clean sheet, indicating a need for improved defensive solidity. However, at home, they boast an impeccable record, winning all of their last five home fixtures, demonstrating a 100% home win ratio.

Anderlecht currently sit fourth in the league standings with 35 points, showcasing a competitive edge in the upper echelons of the table. Thorgan Hazard remains a key figure in attack, leading as top scorer with five goals. The team’s performance highlights a balanced approach, with strengths in both attack and defence, although their away form could benefit from strategic adjustments to bolster defensive resilience.

• DWLWW

Anderlecht Suspensions & Injuries

Anderlecht face several challenges with player availability due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Marco Kana, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Ludwig Augustinsson, out with a muscle problem, could significantly impact their defensive and midfield stability. César Huerta remains doubtful due to physical discomfort, which may limit Anderlecht’s attacking options. Mario Stroeykens is also unavailable due to a knee injury, with his return expected in late January, further depleting their forward line.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mario Stroeykens	International duty	1	Unknown

The suspension of Mario Stroeykens, who is serving a ban related to national team duties with one match remaining, adds to Anderlecht’s woes. This dual absence due to injury and suspension necessitates tactical adjustments from coach Besnik Hasi, particularly in reshuffling the attacking setup.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
César Huerta	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Ludwig Augustinsson	Muscle injury	Few days
Marco Kana	Ankle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Mario Stroeykens	Knee injury	Late January 2026

The potential return of players such as Kana and Augustinsson in the near future could bolster Anderlecht’s squad, but for the upcoming match against Sporting Charleroi, replacements will need to step up. This could provide opportunities for players such as Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Thorgan Hazard to showcase their skills, although their effectiveness compared to the missing players remains to be seen.

Anderlecht Key Players

Thorgan Hazard stands out as Anderlecht’s top scorer with five goals this season, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s offensive line-up. His agility and skilful dribbling make him a constant threat to opposing defences, and his ability to find the net is crucial for Anderlecht’s success. As a forward, Hazard’s positioning and finishing are expected to be key factors in breaking down Sporting Charleroi’s defence.

In midfield, Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Enric Llansana are expected to play critical roles in controlling the tempo and facilitating transitions from defence to attack. Saliba’s defensive prowess, combined with Llansana’s playmaking abilities, can provide a balanced midfield dynamic. Defensively, Killian Sardella’s presence in the backline offers stability, while Moussa N’Diaye’s pace and tackling ability can thwart Charleroi’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Anderlecht:

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

Anderlecht Tactics & Formation

Anderlecht Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Thorgan Hazard
• Midfield Engine: Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Enric Llansana
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded in three of the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Aggressive pressing and wide play.

Anderlecht typically employ a 4-3-3 formation, allowing them to maintain width and press aggressively. In midfield, Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Enric Llansana are pivotal, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack is crucial, especially with Thorgan Hazard leading the forward line.

Defensively, the backline, featuring players like Killian Sardella and Lucas Hey, has shown vulnerability, conceding in three of their last five matches. This indicates a need for tighter defensive coordination to secure clean sheets, especially against a dynamic opponent such as Sporting Charleroi.

Offensively, Anderlecht’s strategy revolves around exploiting the flanks and utilising Thorgan Hazard’s movement. Their ability to press high and disrupt the opposition’s build-up play is a key component of their game plan, often resulting in quick transitions and goal-scoring opportunities.

Sporting Charleroi Analysis & Recent Performance

Sporting Charleroi’s recent form has been mixed, with just one win in their last five matches, alongside three draws and one defeat. Notably, their last outing was a 2-2 draw against Genk, highlighting their ability to compete but also a struggle to close out games effectively.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Charleroi	Genk	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler League	19 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	Union St.Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025
KV Mechelen	Sporting Charleroi	1 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	KV Mechelen	2 – 0 (Win)	Cup	4 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	RAAL La Louviere	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Over their past five matches, Sporting Charleroi have averaged 1.00 goals per game while conceding 0.80, indicating reasonable defensive effort but a lack of cutting edge in attack. They have managed only one clean sheet during this period, reflecting some defensive vulnerabilities. Playing away has been particularly challenging, with no wins in their last five away matches, resulting in a current losing streak on the road.

Despite the struggles, Parfait Guiagon remains a key figure in attack, being their top scorer with five goals this season. Their ability to convert chances is crucial, as seen in matches where both teams have scored, which occurred in 40% of their recent games. Currently 12th in the league standings with 21 points, Charleroi’s away form needs significant improvement if they are to climb the table.

• DDLWD

Sporting Charleroi Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting Charleroi face a challenging situation with key players out due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Isaac Mbenza, who is not expected back until early January 2026, removes a crucial attacking option. Mbenza’s ability to deliver in the final third has been vital for Charleroi, and his unavailability could lead to a more conservative approach, relying on Aurélien Scheidler to spearhead the attack.

Player	Suspension Reason	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mohamed Koné	International Duty	1	Unknown

Injuries to Massamba Sow and Theo Defourny further complicate matters, both listed as doubtful. These injuries may force coach Hans Cornelis to adjust his tactics, potentially reshuffling his defensive setup to compensate for the lack of depth and experience at the back. The team will likely depend on Martin Delavallee to maintain solidity between the posts.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Massamba Sow	Unknown	Doubtful
Theo Defourny	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Isaac Mbenza	Unknown	Early January 2026

Mohamed Koné’s suspension due to national team commitments means he will miss out, putting additional pressure on the midfield to maintain control and balance. The absence of these players could impact Charleroi’s ability to dominate possession and maintain their usual tempo, possibly affecting betting markets as their chances against Anderlecht might seem diminished.

Sporting Charleroi Key Players

Leading the charge for Sporting Charleroi is their top scorer, Parfait Guiagon, who has netted five goals this season. Guiagon’s ability to find the net with precision makes him a significant threat to Anderlecht’s defence. His agility and skill in tight spaces allow him to capitalise on defensive errors, making him an essential figure in Charleroi’s attacking play.

Complementing Guiagon in the forward line is Aurélien Scheidler, whose physical presence can unsettle defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. In midfield, Etienne Camara’s vision and passing range are vital for transitioning from defence to attack, offering both defensive solidity and creative flair. Defensively, Aïham Ousou’s leadership and tactical awareness are crucial in organising the backline and thwarting opposition attacks.

Expected line-up for Sporting Charleroi

• Goalkeeper: Martin Delavallee
• Defenders: Lewin Blum, Aïham Ousou, Cheick Keita, Mardochée Nzita Theto
• Midfielders: Yacine Titraoui, Etienne Camara, Patrick Pflücke
• Forwards: Antoine Bernier, Parfait Guiagon, Aurélien Scheidler

Sporting Charleroi Tactics & Formation

Sporting Charleroi Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Aurélien Scheidler
• Midfield Pivot: Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara
• Defensive Strength: Recent struggles with maintaining clean sheets.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on midfield control and quick transitions to attack.

Sporting Charleroi often adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. This formation allows them to control the midfield with Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara playing pivotal roles in both defensive coverage and initiating attacks. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to offence is crucial, particularly with Antoine Bernier and Patrick Pflücke supporting the lone striker, Aurélien Scheidler.

Defensively, the team have struggled to maintain clean sheets, achieving only two in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Lewin Blum and Cheick Keita, needs to remain vigilant against Anderlecht’s attacking threats. Sporting Charleroi’s defensive setup will be crucial in absorbing pressure and preventing early goals.

Offensively, Sporting Charleroi aim to capitalise on quick transitions, utilising the pace and creativity of players like Parfait Guiagon, who has been their top scorer this season. This strategy is particularly effective in catching opponents off guard, though it requires precise execution and coordination among the attacking players.

Anderlecht vs Sporting Charleroi: Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Anderlecht and Sporting Charleroi, Anderlecht have the upper hand with 30 wins compared to Charleroi’s 13, alongside eight draws. The last encounter saw Charleroi clinch a narrow 1-0 victory at home in the Belgian Pro League, breaking a run of Anderlecht dominance.

When it comes to matches at Lotto Park, Anderlecht have been particularly strong, with the last home fixture ending in a 0-0 draw in September 2024. Historically, Anderlecht have been tough to beat at home, which could be a crucial factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Charleroi	Anderlecht	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-10-24
Sporting Charleroi	Anderlecht	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-02-16
Anderlecht	Sporting Charleroi	0 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-09-21
Sporting Charleroi	Anderlecht	1 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2024-02-11
Anderlecht	Sporting Charleroi	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2023-08-27