Zulte Waregem vs Anderlecht Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 22 February

Zulte Waregem vs Anderlecht Prediction, Match Preview: This Sunday, 22 February, the Elindus Arena will host a crucial fixture in the Belgian First Division A as Zulte Waregem face Anderlecht. Both teams are eager to secure vital points in this league encounter, with Zulte Waregem hoping to capitalise on home advantage against a formidable Anderlecht side.

The match at Elindus Arena promises to be a significant clash in the First Division A, with both Zulte Waregem and Anderlecht keen to improve their standings. As the competition intensifies, each team will be eager to showcase their strengths and claim a crucial victory. Fans can expect a competitive and engaging match as these two Belgian teams face off.

Zulte Waregem vs Anderlecht Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score	1.72

Given the attacking strengths and defensive frailties of both sides, backing ‘Both Teams to Score’ is a solid option. Zulte Waregem’s recent matches have been high-scoring, and with Anderlecht looking to recover from a run of poor league results, an open and entertaining match is expected.

• Zulte Waregem have both scored and conceded in four of their last five league games.
• Four out of the last five head-to-head meetings between these teams have seen both teams score.
• Anderlecht’s defensive injuries and Zulte Waregem’s strong home form point towards goals for both sides.

Betting Odds

In this Belgian First Division A clash, Anderlecht arrive at the Elindus Arena as favourites with odds of 2.19, while Zulte Waregem are priced at 3.10 to secure a home victory. The draw is also a tempting option at 3.37, reflecting the potential for a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Zulte Waregem to win	3.1
Draw	3.37
Anderlecht to win	2.19

Given the competitive nature of these sides, punters might find value in exploring both teams to score markets. With Anderlecht’s strong away performances and Zulte Waregem’s home advantage, the match odds suggest a thrilling encounter.

Zulte Waregem Analysis & Past Performance

Zulte Waregem have endured a challenging spell in recent matches, recording only two wins from their last five fixtures. Notably, they secured victories against FCV Dender EH (1-0) and Genk (2-1), but suffered defeats to St. Truiden (2-3), Westerlo (0-1), and Club Brugge (3-4). This run has left them 12th in the league table with 29 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
St.Truiden	Zulte Waregem	3 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	15 Feb 2026
Zulte Waregem	FCV Dender EH	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	7 Feb 2026
Zulte Waregem	Westerlo	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	31 Jan 2026
Club Brugge	Zulte Waregem	4 – 3 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	24 Jan 2026
Zulte Waregem	Genk	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	17 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Over the last five games, Zulte Waregem have averaged 1.60 goals per match while conceding 1.80 on average, highlighting some defensive weaknesses. Despite these issues, they have scored in four out of five matches, with striker Jeppe Erenbjerg leading the line with eight goals this season. However, they have managed just one clean sheet in this period, underlining the need for improved defensive solidity.

Home Performance:

• LWLLW

At the Elindus Arena, Zulte Waregem’s performances have been slightly more consistent, with a 40% win rate in recent home fixtures. They have scored in all but one of their last five home matches, demonstrating attacking capabilities. However, their defence remains a concern, with only one clean sheet at home, which could be a critical factor against stronger opponents.

Zulte Waregem Suspensions & Injuries

Zulte Waregem face several challenges with key players sidelined due to injury. Nikola Mituljikic and Laurent Lemoine are both doubtful, which could hinder their defensive and midfield stability. Serxho Ujka’s knee injury, with an expected return in early March, further limits their midfield options, where his presence is often crucial for ball distribution and defensive cover.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Nikola Mituljikic	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Serxho Ujka	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Laurent Lemoine	Unknown	Doubtful

In the absence of these players, coach Sven Vandenbroeck may need to rely on squad depth to fill the gaps. The likes of Benoît Nyssen and Enrique Lofolomo may have to step up in midfield, while the defence could see rotations to maintain solidity. Tactical adjustments, possibly adopting a more conservative approach, may be required to compensate for the lack of key personnel.

These injuries could significantly impact Zulte Waregem’s performance against Anderlecht, affecting their defensive resilience and midfield dynamism. This could influence betting markets, with punters potentially reassessing Zulte Waregem’s chances given their reduced squad strength.

Zulte Waregem Key Players

Jeppe Erenbjerg stands out as Zulte Waregem’s top scorer with eight goals this season. His sharpness in front of goal is crucial for the team’s attacking threat. Erenbjerg’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant danger to Anderlecht’s defence. His partnership with Anosike Ementa and Joseph Opoku in the forward line is expected to be pivotal, as they look to exploit any defensive weaknesses.

In midfield, the presence of Benoît Nyssen and Enrique Lofolomo is vital for dictating the tempo and supporting both defence and attack. Nyssen’s vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Lofolomo’s energy and ball-winning skills are key to regaining possession. Defensively, Jakob Kiilerich is a central figure, anchoring the backline with his aerial ability and positioning.

• Goalkeeper: Brent Gabriel
• Defenders: Benoît De Jaegere, Jakob Kiilerich, Lukas Willen
• Midfielders: Benoît Nyssen, Enrique Lofolomo, Thomas Claes, Emran Soglo
• Forwards: Jeppe Erenbjerg, Anosike Ementa, Joseph Opoku

Expected lineup for Zulte Waregem

The tactical importance of these key players is significant. Erenbjerg’s goal-scoring form allows Zulte Waregem to focus on quick transitions, utilising his pace and movement. Meanwhile, the midfield’s balance between creativity and defensive solidity enables a flexible approach, potentially disrupting Anderlecht’s midfield dominance. Overall, the combination of these players’ strengths could be instrumental in shaping Zulte Waregem’s tactical impact on the match.

Zulte Waregem Tactics and Formation

Zulte Waregem Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Midfield Engine: Enrique Lofolomo and Thomas Claes
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded nine goals in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and wide play.

Zulte Waregem typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, providing both attacking width and defensive coverage. The midfield, orchestrated by Enrique Lofolomo and Thomas Claes, focuses on maintaining possession and linking with the attacking trio, led by top scorer Jeppe Erenbjerg.

Defensively, Zulte Waregem have struggled, conceding nine goals in their last five matches. The backline, including players like Benoît De Jaegere and Jakob Kiilerich, will need to tighten up to prevent further lapses, especially against a potent Anderlecht attack.

Offensively, Zulte Waregem’s strategy revolves around quick transitions and exploiting the flanks. With wingers like Joseph Opoku and Jeppe Erenbjerg’s clinical finishing, they aim to capitalise on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities to offset defensive vulnerabilities.

Anderlecht Analysis & Past Performance

Anderlecht’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their sole victory came in an emphatic 4-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the Cup. However, their league form has been less convincing, with defeats to Genk (2-0) and Standard Liège (2-0) highlighting struggles away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	RAAL La Louvière	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	15 Feb 2026
Royal Antwerp	Anderlecht	0 – 4 (Win)	Cup	12 Feb 2026
Genk	Anderlecht	2 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	8 Feb 2026
Anderlecht	Royal Antwerp	0 – 1 (Loss)	Cup	5 Feb 2026
Standard Liège	Anderlecht	2 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	1 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Anderlecht have averaged 0.80 goals per game, underlining their attacking struggles. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.60 goals per game, which is concerning, especially as they have kept only two clean sheets in this period. Their away form has been particularly disappointing, with just one win in their last five away games.

Goals Scored & Conceded:
The team has scored a total of four goals while conceding five in their last five matches. Anderlecht’s top scorer, Thorgan Hazard, has been crucial, but the team’s over-reliance on him is evident, as goals have been scarce from other sources.

League Position & Dynamics:

• DWLLL

Currently sitting 4th in the league with 37 points, Anderlecht’s inconsistency has seen them struggle to maintain upward momentum. The team’s dynamics suggest a need for greater cohesion and improved performance, particularly in turning possession into tangible goal-scoring opportunities.

Anderlecht Suspensions & Injuries

Anderlecht face a difficult situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. César Huerta and Mario Stroeykens are both doubtful with groin and knee injuries respectively, which could significantly affect the team’s attacking options and midfield stability. Additionally, Joshua Nga Kana’s absence due to an unspecified injury until early March further limits their defensive choices.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Moussa Diarra	Red card	1	Unknown

The suspension of Moussa Diarra following a red card further complicates Anderlecht’s defensive setup. With Diarra unavailable, Anderlecht may have to rely on less experienced players to fill the gap, potentially exposing defensive vulnerabilities. This could force Anderlecht to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on solidifying their defensive lines to compensate for these absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
César Huerta	Groin injury	Doubtful
Mario Stroeykens	Knee injury	Doubtful
Joshua Nga Kana	Unknown	Early March 2026

The unavailability of these players is likely to impact Anderlecht’s tactical approach, possibly resulting in a more cautious game plan against Zulte Waregem. These injuries and suspensions could influence the betting markets, as Anderlecht’s overall strength and depth are compromised, making them potentially less favoured in this matchup.

Anderlecht Key Players

Thorgan Hazard stands out as Anderlecht’s top scorer, having netted six goals this season. His ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses makes him a constant threat in the final third. Hazard’s decisive runs and clinical finishing could be pivotal against Zulte Waregem. His presence in the forward line not only boosts the team’s attacking options but also draws defenders, creating opportunities for his teammates.

In midfield, Yari Verschaeren plays a crucial role as playmaker. His vision and passing accuracy are vital for orchestrating attacks and maintaining possession. Verschaeren’s interplay with Enric Llansana and Nathan De Cat ensures a balanced midfield capable of both defensive duties and creative output. Defensive solidity is provided by Killian Sardella and Lucas Hey, whose coordination and tackling are essential for thwarting opposition attacks.

Expected lineup for Anderlecht

• Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans
• Defenders: Killian Sardella, Lucas Hey, Mihajlo Ilic, Ali Maamar
• Midfielders: Enric Llansana, Nathan De Cat, Yari Verschaeren
• Forwards: Tristan Degreef, Adriano Bertaccini, Thorgan Hazard

These key players collectively influence Anderlecht’s tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces. The defensive line’s resilience, combined with the midfield’s creativity and Hazard’s attacking prowess, forms a formidable setup. This blend of strengths positions Anderlecht as a challenging opponent, capable of dictating play and controlling the match tempo.

Anderlecht Tactics and Formation

Anderlecht Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thorgan Hazard
• Midfield Pivot: Enric Llansana and Nathan De Cat
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and reliance on wing play.

Anderlecht have been utilising a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to maintain a high possession style of play. The midfield pivot of Enric Llansana and Nathan De Cat provides balance between defensive duties and initiating attacks. Yari Verschaeren, as the attacking midfielder, is instrumental in linking play with forward Thorgan Hazard, who remains a key goal threat with six goals this season.

Defensively, Anderlecht have shown resilience, securing two clean sheets in their last five matches. The backline, led by Killian Sardella and Lucas Hey, is tasked with maintaining solidity while supporting the flanks. Full-backs Ali Maamar and Mihajlo Ilic are crucial in providing width and supporting both defensive and attacking transitions.

Offensively, Anderlecht focus on leveraging the pace and creativity of their wingers and attacking midfielders. Thorgan Hazard’s ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically is complemented by Yari Verschaeren’s vision and passing. Despite their recent draw against RAAL La Louvière, where they dominated possession with 67%, they will aim to convert their control into goals against Zulte Waregem.

Zulte Waregem vs Anderlecht Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Zulte Waregem and Anderlecht, the latter have a commanding lead with 32 wins compared to Zulte Waregem’s nine, alongside nine draws. Notably, Zulte Waregem secured a surprise 3-2 victory in their most recent meeting in August 2025, away at Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League.

The last time these teams met in the First Division A was in February 2022, when Anderlecht managed a 2-1 win at Zulte Waregem’s home ground. Historically, Anderlecht have been dominant, but Zulte Waregem’s recent wins suggest they may be turning the tide.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	Zulte Waregem	2 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2025-08-10
Anderlecht	Zulte Waregem	2 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2023-01-18
Zulte Waregem	Anderlecht	3 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2022-10-20
Zulte Waregem	Anderlecht	1 – 2	First Division A	2022-02-12
Anderlecht	Zulte Waregem	3 – 0	Club Friendlies	2022-01-09