Cercle Brugge vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction, Match Preview, 26 December

Cercle Brugge vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction, Match Preview, 26 December. As we look forward to this intriguing clash in the First Division A, both teams will be eager to make their mark at the Jan Breydel Stadion. Scheduled for Friday, 26 December, this match promises to be a significant encounter in the Belgian top flight.

Cercle Brugge will be aiming to capitalise on their home advantage against a formidable Union Saint-Gilloise side. With both teams vying for crucial points, the outcome could have a substantial impact on their league standings. Fans and punters alike will be keen to see how these teams perform in what is set to be a competitive fixture.

Cercle Brugge vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Union Saint-Gilloise (Draw No Bet)	1.55

Reviewing the recent form and head-to-head results, it is clear that Union Saint-Gilloise have the advantage heading into this match. Given their consistent performances and higher league position, our recommended betting tip is to back Union Saint-Gilloise with a Draw No Bet option.

• Union Saint-Gilloise have scored in 84% of their matches this season, demonstrating a strong attacking threat.
• Cercle Brugge have struggled against Union Saint-Gilloise in recent meetings, including a recent 2-0 defeat.
• Union Saint-Gilloise boast a solid defensive record, conceding just 0.6 goals on average per match, making them a reliable choice.

Betting Odds

Cercle Brugge host Union Saint-Gilloise and the betting odds indicate a tough challenge for the home side. With odds of 3.8 for a Cercle Brugge win, bookmakers clearly favour Union Saint-Gilloise, offering 1.9 for an away victory. A draw is priced at 3.55, suggesting a competitive contest.

Betting Tip	Odds
Cercle Brugge to win	3.8
Draw	3.55
Union Saint-Gilloise to win	1.9

For those seeking betting opportunities, the odds reflect a strong chance for Union Saint-Gilloise to continue their good form. However, Cercle Brugge could provide value for those backing an upset, especially given their home advantage.

Cercle Brugge Analysis & Past Performance

Cercle Brugge’s recent form has been a mix of challenges and occasional breakthroughs. In their last five matches, they have managed just one victory, a notable 2-0 away win against OH Leuven. However, this has been overshadowed by three defeats, including home losses to KV Mechelen (2-3) and Standard Liège (1-2), and a draw against Zulte Waregem (1-1). This inconsistency sees them 15th in the league, with a modest tally of 16 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	Cercle Brugge	0 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	KV Mechelen	2 – 3 (Loss)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Standard Liège	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Gent	1 – 3 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Zulte Waregem	Cercle Brugge	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
The team’s attack has averaged 1.40 goals per match in their last five games, finding the net in four of these fixtures. Steve Ngoura, their top scorer, has been pivotal, contributing four goals. Defensively, Cercle Brugge have struggled, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game, with only one clean sheet in this period. These defensive issues are especially apparent at home, where they have failed to win in their last five matches, drawing two and losing three.

Performance Analysis:

• WLLLD

Cercle Brugge’s current home form is concerning, with a win ratio of just 20%. Their inability to maintain leads and secure points at Jan Breydel Stadion is evident. The defensive line has been porous, conceding in each of their last ten home games, which undermines their attacking efforts. The team’s resilience will be tested as they seek to climb out of the bottom tier of the league table.

Cercle Brugge Suspensions & Injuries

Cercle Brugge face a challenge with the suspension of Oumar Diakité. His absence due to international duty leaves a gap in their tactical setup, particularly in midfield where his presence is usually felt. This suspension forces Onur Cinel to look to the bench for a suitable replacement who can fill the void and maintain the team’s competitive edge.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Oumar Diakité	International duty	1	Unknown

Valy Konaté is listed as doubtful due to an unspecified injury. His possible absence could limit Cercle Brugge’s attacking options, as Konaté’s versatility often provides tactical flexibility. Should Konaté be unavailable, the team may need to rely more heavily on Steve Ngoura to lead the line, potentially altering their attacking approach.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Valy Konaté	Unknown	Doubtful

The absence of these players could influence Cercle Brugge’s performance, particularly in terms of squad depth and tactical adaptability. The team will need others to step up, which could affect their odds in the betting markets against Union Saint-Gilloise.

Cercle Brugge Key Players

Cercle Brugge’s attacking threat will rely heavily on their top scorer, Steve Ngoura, who has netted four goals this season. As a forward, Ngoura’s ability to exploit space and his clinical finishing make him a constant danger to opposition defences. His partnership with Pieter Gerkens adds another dimension to their attack, with Gerkens renowned for his intelligent positioning and playmaking.

Midfield dynamo Hannes Van der Bruggen plays a pivotal role in orchestrating play from the centre of the park. His experience and tactical awareness allow him to control the tempo, linking defence and attack. In defence, Edgaras Utkus stands out with his composure and aerial prowess, which are vital for containing Union Saint-Gilloise’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Cercle Brugge:

• Goalkeeper: Warleson
• Defence: Gary Magnee, Edgaras Utkus, Christiaan Ravych, Flavio Nazinho
• Midfield: Hannes Van der Bruggen, Lawrence Agyekum, Edan Diop
• Forward: Oluwaseun Adewumi, Pieter Gerkens, Steve Ngoura

Cercle Brugge Tactics and Formation

Cercle Brugge Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Steve Ngoura
• Midfield Pivot: Hannes Van der Bruggen and Lawrence Agyekum
• Defensive Structure: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on robust midfield control and counter-attacking play.

Cercle Brugge typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield pairing of Hannes Van der Bruggen and Lawrence Agyekum is crucial, offering defensive cover and enabling quick transitions. Steve Ngoura leads the line as the focal point of their attack.

Defensively, Cercle Brugge have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing only one in their last five matches. The backline, including Gary Magnee and Edgaras Utkus, will need to tighten up to prevent conceding, especially against a strong Union Saint-Gilloise side.

Offensively, the team often rely on swift counter-attacks, utilising the pace and skill of wingers like Edan Diop. This approach, while sometimes effective, requires precision and sharp execution to break down opposition defences.

Union Saint-Gilloise Analysis & Past Performance

Union Saint-Gilloise have maintained a solid position at the top of the Belgian First Division A, currently sitting first with 41 points. Over their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat. This run includes a notable 2-0 victory against Zulte Waregem, demonstrating a strong defensive performance with a clean sheet.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	20 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Marseille	2 – 3 (Loss)	Champions League	9 Dec 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Gent	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1 (Win)	Cup	3 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WDLDW

In their recent fixtures, Union Saint-Gilloise have averaged 1.60 goals per game, scoring in four of their last five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match, keeping one clean sheet in this period. Their away form has been less impressive, with just one win in their last five away matches, indicating room for improvement on the road.

Union Saint-Gilloise Suspensions & Injuries

Union Saint-Gilloise face a couple of challenges as they prepare for the upcoming match against Cercle Brugge. The absence of Adem Zorgane due to suspension leaves a gap in midfield, potentially disrupting the team’s balance and playmaking. Zorgane’s international duty limits coach David Hubert’s options in structuring the midfield, where his influence is typically significant.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Adem Zorgane	International Duty	1	Unknown

In addition to the suspension, Raúl Florucz’s calf injury adds to the team’s concerns. Florucz, expected to return in early January 2026, has been a dependable option, and his absence could affect the squad’s depth, particularly in attacking transitions.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Raúl Florucz	Calf Injury	Early January 2026

With these absences, Union Saint-Gilloise may need to adjust their tactical setup. Possible replacements such as Ousseynou Niang or Anan Khalaili could be crucial in filling the midfield gap left by Zorgane, though their ability to replicate his impact remains to be seen. These changes could influence the betting markets, as the team’s usual dynamics may be altered, potentially affecting their performance against Cercle Brugge.

Union Saint-Gilloise Key Players

Union Saint-Gilloise’s attacking threat is spearheaded by their top scorer, Promise David, who has already netted eight goals this season. David’s ability to find the net is crucial for Union Saint-Gilloise’s success, providing both a physical presence and a sharp eye for goal, making him a constant danger to opposition defences. His positioning and finishing could be decisive in breaking down Cercle Brugge’s defence.

Further strengthening their midfield and attack, Anouar Aït El Hadj and Ross Sykes are expected to play significant roles. Aït El Hadj, known for his creativity and vision, is key in transitioning play from defence to attack, while Sykes’ physicality and defensive skill provide stability in midfield. Christian Burgess, anchoring the defence, is vital for maintaining structure and organisation at the back, using his experience to guide the backline.

Expected lineup for Union Saint-Gilloise

• Goalkeeper: Kjell Scherpen
• Defence: Fedde Leysen, Mathias Rasmussen, Christian Burgess
• Midfield: Ross Sykes, Ousseynou Niang, Kamiel Van de Perre, Anan Khalaili, Marc Giger, Anouar Aït El Hadj
• Forward: Promise David

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactics and Formation

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Promise David
• Midfield Pivot: Kamiel Van de Perre and Mathias Rasmussen
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Union Saint-Gilloise utilise a 3-4-3 formation that emphasises both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. With Ross Sykes, Christian Burgess, and Fedde Leysen forming the back three, the side have kept two clean sheets in their last five matches, highlighting a strong defensive foundation.

In midfield, Kamiel Van de Perre and Mathias Rasmussen are pivotal, providing defensive cover and creative outlets. Their ability to transition play quickly supports the attacking trio, which includes Promise David, a key forward who has scored eight goals this season, making him integral to their attacking strategy.

Offensively, Union Saint-Gilloise focus on high pressing and rapid transitions, particularly effective against teams that struggle under pressure. Their ability to maintain intensity and capitalise on opponents’ mistakes has been a hallmark of their recent performances, contributing to their position at the top of the league.

Cercle Brugge vs Union Saint-Gilloise Head-to-Head Record

Cercle Brugge and Union Saint-Gilloise have met 24 times, with Union Saint-Gilloise leading the head-to-head with 13 wins compared to Cercle’s six, and five matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter saw Union Saint-Gilloise secure a 2-0 home win in the Belgian Pro League.

The last time Cercle Brugge hosted Union Saint-Gilloise, the match ended goalless in December 2024. Historically, Union Saint-Gilloise have been the stronger side, but Cercle did manage a 3-1 away victory in October 2024, showing they are capable of causing an upset.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Union Saint-Gilloise	Cercle Brugge	2 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-11-22
Cercle Brugge	Union Saint-Gilloise	0 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-12-08
Union Saint-Gilloise	Cercle Brugge	1 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2024-10-27
Cercle Brugge	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2024-05-19
Union Saint-Gilloise	Cercle Brugge	2 – 3	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2024-04-07