OH Leuven vs Cercle Brugge Prediction & Match Preview (21 December)

OH Leuven will host Cercle Brugge in a compelling Belgian First Division A clash at the King Power at Den Dreef on Sunday, 21 December. This fixture promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams look to make their mark in the league standings. With home advantage, OH Leuven will aim to capitalise on their familiarity with the venue to secure a vital win.

Cercle Brugge, meanwhile, will be eager to challenge OH Leuven and improve their position in the First Division A. With both sides vying for crucial points in this competitive league, fans can expect a closely contested match, as both teams bring their best to the pitch at the King Power at Den Dreef.

OH Leuven vs Cercle Brugge: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
OH Leuven Draw No Bet	1.85

OH Leuven have shown solid form at home, and with Cercle Brugge struggling to find consistency, the Draw No Bet market offers good value for OH Leuven. This bet provides a safety net should the match end in a draw, making it a sensible choice for cautious punters.

• OH Leuven have scored in 78% of their home matches this season, demonstrating their consistent attacking threat.
• Cercle Brugge have failed to win in 13 consecutive matches in this competition, indicating a lack of form and confidence.
• The absence of key players for Cercle Brugge, such as Valy Konaté, further weakens their chances against a solid OH Leuven side.

Betting Odds

In this Belgian First Division A encounter, OH Leuven are slight favourites with the bookmakers, but Cercle Brugge are not far behind in the betting. With OH Leuven priced at 2.53 and Cercle Brugge at 2.60, this match is expected to be closely contested. A draw is also a tempting option at 3.42.

Betting Tip	Odds
OH Leuven to win	2.53
Draw	3.42
Cercle Bruges to win	2.6

For those looking to place a bet, consider the potential for both teams to score, given their recent attacking displays. The odds suggest a competitive affair, making the over 2.5 goals market an intriguing choice for punters.

OH Leuven: Analysis & Recent Performance

OH Leuven’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. They managed a victory over Standard Liège (1-0) in their latest outing, which could boost their confidence. However, prior to this, they registered two defeats and a draw, highlighting their struggle for consistency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Standard Liege	OH Leuven	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	12 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Club Brugge	1 – 2 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Genk	OH Leuven	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025
OH Leuven	St.Truiden	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	23 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
OH Leuven have averaged 1.00 goal per game over their last five fixtures, while conceding 1.40 goals per match. Their defensive frailties are evident, with only one clean sheet in this period. Offensively, Sory Kaba remains their main threat, having scored four goals this season. Both teams have scored in 80% of these matches, underlining the need for greater defensive solidity.

Home & Away Performance:

• WDLLL

At home, OH Leuven’s record is less than impressive, with only one win in their last five home games. Their home win ratio stands at just 20%, which is a concern as they prepare to welcome Cercle Brugge. A stronger home performance is crucial for improving their 13th-place standing in the league, where they have accumulated 19 points.

OH Leuven: Suspensions & Injuries

OH Leuven are facing a challenging situation with several key players listed as doubtful due to injury. Bryang Kayo, Siebe Schrijvers, and Thibault Vlietinck are all nursing injuries that cast doubt on their participation against Cercle Brugge. This could significantly impact the midfield’s creativity, given Schrijvers’ usual influence. Takahiro Akimoto’s uncertain status further complicates matters, potentially affecting the team’s defensive solidity.

The absence of these players may force coach Felice Mazzu to rethink his tactical approach. With potential gaps in midfield and forward positions, the team may need to rely more heavily on squad members like Birger Verstraete and Youssef Maziz to step up and fill these roles. This could lead to a more conservative approach, emphasising defensive stability over attacking flair.

Thibaud Verlinden’s injury, with an expected return in early January 2026, suggests OH Leuven may need to find longer-term solutions in attack. His absence could see a reshuffle that might offer more opportunities for players such as Henok Teklab to make an impact.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bryang Kayo	Knock injury	Doubtful
Siebe Schrijvers	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Thibault Vlietinck	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Thibaud Verlinden	Unknown	Early January 2026
Takahiro Akimoto	Unknown	Doubtful

OH Leuven: Key Players

Leading the line for OH Leuven is Sory Kaba, their top scorer with four goals this season. Kaba’s clinical finishing and physical presence make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His aerial prowess will be pivotal in breaking down Cercle Brugge’s backline. Alongside him, Mathieu Maertens will play a key role in attack, providing the creative spark needed to unlock defences.

In midfield, Birger Verstraete and Youssef Maziz are vital. Verstraete’s playmaking abilities allow him to dictate the tempo, while Maziz’s vision and passing range could be instrumental in transitioning from defence to attack. At the back, Noe Dussenne’s leadership and experience are essential in organising the defence and maintaining solidity against Cercle Brugge’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for OH Leuven:

• Goalkeeper: Tobe Leysen
• Defenders: Ewoud Pletinckx, Noe Dussenne, Roggerio Nyakossi
• Midfielders: Óscar Gil, Lukasz Lakomy, Birger Verstraete, Youssef Maziz, Henok Teklab
• Forwards: Mathieu Maertens, Casper Terho

OH Leuven: Tactics & Formation

OH Leuven Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Sory Kaba
• Midfield Pivot: Birger Verstraete and Lukasz Lakomy
• Defensive Strength: Recently kept a clean sheet against Standard Liège
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and presses high up the pitch.

OH Leuven’s 3-5-2 formation is a tactical setup that provides both defensive solidity and attacking width. The back three of Ewoud Pletinckx, Noe Dussenne, and Roggerio Nyakossi offers a sturdy defensive line. Wing-backs Óscar Gil and Henok Teklab are tasked with providing width and supporting both defensive and attacking phases.

In midfield, Birger Verstraete and Lukasz Lakomy form a solid pivot, balancing defensive responsibilities with playmaking duties. Youssef Maziz operates as the creative force, linking midfield to the forwards, where Sory Kaba remains pivotal as the main goal threat.

Offensively, OH Leuven focus on high pressing and quick transitions, a strategy that has proved effective in recent matches. Despite their current mid-table position, their ability to keep a clean sheet against Standard Liège highlights their potential to disrupt opponents with disciplined tactics.

Cercle Brugge: Analysis & Recent Performance

Cercle Brugge have struggled in recent matches, failing to secure a win in their last five games, with a record of one draw and four defeats. This poor run includes a narrow 2-3 loss to KV Mechelen and a 1-2 defeat against Standard Liège. Their inability to maintain a solid defence is evident, conceding an average of 2.20 goals per game over this period.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cercle Brugge	KV Mechelen	2 – 3 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	13 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Standard Liège	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	6 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Gent	1 – 3 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Zulte Waregem	Cercle Brugge	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	29 Nov 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Cercle Brugge	2 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Cercle Brugge have managed to score an average of 1.00 goal per match in their last five fixtures. Despite showing attacking promise by scoring in four of these five encounters, defensive weaknesses have been their undoing, with no clean sheets recorded. Their away form mirrors this trend, with three draws and two losses in their last five away matches, underlining their struggles on the road.

Team Statistics:

• LLLDL

Currently sitting 15th in the league with 13 points, Cercle Brugge have endured a challenging season. With a win ratio of 0.00 in recent outings and a high rate of goals conceded, improvement in defensive organisation and tactical adaptation will be crucial if they are to climb the table.

Cercle Brugge: Suspensions & Injuries

Cercle Brugge will be without Oumar Diakite, who is currently away on national team duty. His absence impacts the squad’s defensive options and may force coach Onur Cinel to adjust his tactical setup. Diakite’s defensive abilities will be missed, especially against a side capable of exploiting any defensive frailties.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Oumar Diakite	National team	2	Unknown

Additionally, Valy Konaté is doubtful due to an unspecified injury, which could further limit Cercle Brugge’s depth in midfield. Konaté’s absence may require the team to rely more heavily on Hannes van der Bruggen to orchestrate play from central areas, potentially altering the midfield balance.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Valy Konaté	Unknown	Doubtful

These unavailabilities could influence betting markets, as Cercle Brugge’s recent form will be tested without these key players. Replacements will need to step up to ensure the team maintains its competitive edge, especially in a challenging away fixture.

Cercle Brugge: Key Players

Cercle Brugge will rely heavily on their top scorer Steve Ngoura, who has netted four goals this season. Ngoura’s versatility in midfield allows him to orchestrate play and contribute significantly to the attack. His ability to both create and finish chances makes him a dual threat. Up front, Oluwaseun Adewumi and Edan Diop are expected to provide the attacking impetus, with Adewumi’s pace and Diop’s technical skills likely to trouble OH Leuven’s defence.

In defence, Emmanuel Kakou and Christiaan Ravych are crucial for maintaining stability. Their presence will be vital in countering OH Leuven’s attacking threats, with Ravych’s aerial strength and Kakou’s tackling ability key defensive attributes. Meanwhile, Hannes van der Bruggen’s experience and Edgaras Utkus’s dynamism in midfield will be essential for controlling the tempo and transitioning from defence to attack.

• Goalkeeper: Maxime Delanghe
• Defence: Gary Magnee, Emmanuel Kakou, Christiaan Ravych, Flavio Nazinho
• Midfield: Hannes van der Bruggen, Edgaras Utkus, Steve Ngoura
• Forward: Oluwaseun Adewumi, Edan Diop, Alan Minda

Cercle Brugge: Tactics & Formation

Cercle Brugge Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Steve Ngoura
• Midfield Strength: Lawrence Agyekum and Hannes van der Bruggen
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded in every recent match
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and fast-paced transitions.

Cercle Brugge are likely to deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation, emphasising both defensive coverage and attacking potential. The midfield, orchestrated by Lawrence Agyekum and Hannes van der Bruggen, is pivotal for maintaining possession and launching attacks. This setup enables them to press high and transition quickly, aiming to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence.

Defensively, the backline featuring Emmanuel Kakou and Gary Magnee has struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all recent outings. Their reliance on high pressing can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially against teams adept at quick transitions.

Offensively, Steve Ngoura remains the focal point, tasked with converting chances created by the flanking runs of Alan Minda and Edan Diop. Despite their current form, Cercle Brugge’s strategy revolves around maintaining high intensity and capitalising on transitional opportunities.

OH Leuven vs Cercle Brugge: Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, OH Leuven and Cercle Brugge have met 33 times, with OH Leuven winning 13 matches and Cercle Brugge claiming 12 victories, alongside eight draws. The last encounter saw OH Leuven secure a 2-1 away win against Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Pro League, demonstrating their ability to perform on the road.

When these two sides last met at the King Power at Den Dreef, it ended in a 1-2 defeat for OH Leuven back in December 2023. This suggests Cercle Brugge can be competitive when visiting Leuven, although the hosts have managed to score consistently in these fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cercle Brugge	OH Leuven	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2025-11-08
Cercle Brugge	OH Leuven	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-12-22
OH Leuven	Cercle Brugge	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-08-18
OH Leuven	Cercle Brugge	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2023-12-16
Cercle Brugge	OH Leuven	3 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2023-10-07