Westerlo vs Cercle Brugge Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January

In the Belgian First Division A, Westerlo will host Cercle Brugge at Het Kuipje on Saturday, 17 January. This match promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams look to make their mark in the league. Westerlo, playing on home soil, will aim to use their familiarity with Het Kuipje to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Cercle Brugge will be eager to challenge their hosts and climb the league table.

The significance of this fixture lies in its potential impact on the league positions of both teams. Westerlo will hope to capitalise on their home advantage, while Cercle Brugge will strive to disrupt their plans and gain crucial points away from home. With both sides determined to improve their league standings, this encounter promises to be a competitive affair in the First Division A.

Westerlo vs Cercle Brugge Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.85

Given the recent form of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, backing both teams to score is the best bet. Westerlo’s attacking prowess, as demonstrated by their 4-0 win over Anderlecht, combined with Cercle Brugge’s consistent goal-scoring record, makes this a solid option.

• Cercle Brugge have scored in 75% of their matches this season and have found the net in their last five consecutive games.
• Westerlo’s home advantage and attacking display in a 4-0 victory over Anderlecht show their capability to score.
• Both teams have shown defensive weaknesses, making it likely that both will concede.

Betting Odds

Westerlo are priced as favourites at 2.07, reflecting their home advantage at Het Kuipje. However, Cercle Brugge, with odds of 3.16, have shown they can be tricky opponents on the road, making this an intriguing matchup.

Betting Tip	Odds
Westerlo to win	2.07
Draw	3.65
Cercle Brugge to win	3.16

The draw is priced at 3.65, which could tempt those expecting a closely fought contest. With both teams having a knack for finding the net, the over 2.5 goals market might also be worth considering.

Westerlo Analysis & Recent Performance

Westerlo’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches resulting in one win, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw against İstanbul Başakşehir in a friendly, following a 2-0 league defeat to Gent. Their home form is slightly better, with two wins, two draws, and one loss across their last five home fixtures, highlighting a stronger performance at Het Kuipje.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
Westerlo	İstanbul Başakşehir	1 – 1 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	9 Jan 2026
Gent	Westerlo	2 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	27 Dec 2025
Westerlo	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	20 Dec 2025
Genk	Westerlo	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025

Performance Analysis:
Westerlo have struggled offensively, averaging 0.80 goals scored per match in their last five games, while their defence has conceded an average of 1.40 goals. Notably, they have failed to keep a clean sheet during this period, which underscores their defensive vulnerabilities. In terms of scoring, Nacho Ferri stands out as the top scorer with five goals this season.

Team Statistics:

• LDLWD

Westerlo’s overall win ratio stands at 20% over the last ten games, with a slightly better 40% win ratio at home. The team has managed to score in 60% of their recent matches, but their goals conceded ratio indicates a need for defensive improvements. Additionally, their position in the league remains in the lower half, with 24 points gathered so far, suggesting room for strategic enhancements moving forward.

Westerlo Suspensions & Injuries

Westerlo are facing a challenging situation with several key players doubtful due to injuries. The absence of Bakary Haidara, Reda Laalaoui, Seiji Kimura, and Josimar Alcócer could significantly impact the team’s tactical setup and depth. With these players being integral parts of the squad, their unavailability may force coach Issame Charai to rely on less experienced options, potentially affecting the team’s cohesion and attacking prowess.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bakary Haidara	Unknown	Doubtful
Reda Laalaoui	Unknown	Doubtful
Seiji Kimura	Groin injury	Doubtful
Josimar Alcócer	Unknown	Doubtful

The injuries to these players might necessitate tactical adjustments from Westerlo. With Seiji Kimura dealing with a groin injury, there could be a gap in midfield that needs addressing. This may lead to a shift in formation or the inclusion of players such as Arthur Piedfort and Dogucan Haspolat in more central roles to compensate for the missing creativity and control.

Given the current injury woes, Westerlo’s squad depth will be tested. The team’s ability to adapt tactically and utilise their available players effectively will be crucial. These absences might also influence betting markets, as the team’s overall strength appears compromised without these key players. Bettors may look to Cercle Brugge as a more stable option, considering the uncertainty surrounding Westerlo’s line-up.

Westerlo Key Players

Westerlo’s attacking threat will heavily rely on their top scorer, Nacho Ferri, who has netted five goals this season. Ferri is known for his sharp movement and clinical finishing, making him a constant danger in the final third. Supporting Ferri in the forward line is Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, whose pace and agility can unsettle any defence, while Serhiy Sydorchuk brings invaluable experience and creativity, acting as the playmaker to orchestrate attacks.

Expected line-up for Westerlo

• Goalkeeper: Andreas Jungdal
• Defenders: Lucas Mbamba, Emin Bayram, Amando Lapage, Bryan Reynolds
• Midfielders: Dogucan Haspolat, Arthur Piedfort, Isa Sakamoto
• Forwards: Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, Serhiy Sydorchuk, Nacho Ferri

In midfield, Isa Sakamoto and Arthur Piedfort are pivotal, providing a blend of defensive solidity and forward thrust, which could prove decisive in controlling the game’s tempo. Defensively, the backline led by Emin Bayram and Bryan Reynolds will need to be resolute, as their tactical discipline and ability to read the game are crucial for thwarting Cercle Brugge’s attacking threats. The cohesion between these key players is essential for Westerlo’s tactical success, as they aim to maintain a balance between attack and defence.

Westerlo Tactics and Formation

Westerlo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Nacho Ferri
• Midfield Pivot: Dogucan Haspolat and Arthur Piedfort
• Defensive Concerns: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with a focus on wing attacks.

Westerlo typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to maintain a balance between attack and defence. The duo of Dogucan Haspolat and Arthur Piedfort in midfield is pivotal for both shielding the defence and initiating attacks. They provide the necessary stability and distribution channels to support the team’s high possession style.

Defensively, Westerlo face challenges, as evidenced by their single clean sheet in the last five matches. Bryan Reynolds and Tuur Rommens are critical as full-backs, tasked with not only defending but also providing width in attack. However, the team has struggled to prevent goals, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game recently.

Offensively, Westerlo rely heavily on the creativity and pace of their wingers, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh and Adedire Awokoya Mebude. Nacho Ferri, their top scorer, is crucial in converting these chances, supported by Isa Sakamoto in the attacking midfield role. Their strategy focuses on quick transitions and exploiting spaces in the opponent’s half.

Cercle Brugge Analysis & Recent Performance

Cercle Brugge have experienced a challenging period recently, securing only one victory in their last five matches. This run includes a significant 2-0 away win against OH Leuven but also three defeats and a recent 1-1 draw at home to Union Saint-Gilloise.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cercle Brugge	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	26 Dec 2025
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

Recent Form:
In terms of performance statistics, Cercle Brugge have averaged 1.40 goals per game while conceding 1.80 in their last five fixtures. They have managed to score in all these encounters, highlighting their attacking consistency, although defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with nine goals conceded and only one clean sheet achieved.

Their away form has been slightly more positive, with a win ratio of 20%, mirroring their overall league win ratio. Currently positioned 15th in the league with 17 points, they will need to address their defensive frailties, as demonstrated by their high number of shots conceded, particularly in their last home game against Union Saint-Gilloise, where they allowed 20 shots.

• DWLLL

Cercle Brugge Suspensions & Injuries

Cercle Brugge face a challenging situation with the suspension of Ibrahima Diaby, who will miss the upcoming match due to a yellow/red card suspension. This absence could force the team to reconsider their defensive strategies, as Diaby is often an integral part of their backline. His suspension necessitates a reshuffle in the defensive setup, potentially bringing in a less experienced player to fill the void.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Ibrahima Diaby	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

On the injury front, Abdoul Kader Ouattara is listed as doubtful, which may create a void in the squad’s attacking options. Ouattara’s potential absence could see Steve Ngoura taking on more responsibility in the forward line, adding pressure on the young striker to deliver in a crucial fixture. This scenario may also prompt tactical adjustments from coach Onur Cinel, as they seek to maintain attacking momentum without one of their key players.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Abdoul Kader Ouattara	Unknown	Doubtful

Overall, these absences could test Cercle Brugge’s depth and resilience, potentially affecting their tactical flexibility against Westerlo. Bettors might want to consider these factors, as the team’s performance could be impacted by the lack of key personnel, influencing the match’s outcome.

Cercle Brugge Key Players

Cercle Brugge will look to their top scorer Steve Ngoura, who has netted four goals this season, to spearhead their attacking efforts against Westerlo. Ngoura’s ability to find space and capitalise on defensive errors makes him a constant threat. His partnership with Oluwaseun Adewumi in the forward line is pivotal, as Adewumi’s pace and agility complement Ngoura’s finishing prowess, creating a dynamic offensive duo.

In midfield, Hannes Van der Bruggen and Pieter Gerkens are instrumental, providing both defensive stability and creative outlets. Van der Bruggen’s experience and tactical awareness help anchor the midfield, while Gerkens’ vision and passing ability can unlock defences. This midfield synergy is crucial in dictating the tempo and flow of the game.

Expected line-up for Cercle Brugge

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

Defensively, the presence of Christiaan Ravych and Edgaras Utkus is significant. Ravych’s robust tackling and aerial strength, alongside Utkus’ composure and positional sense, form a solid defensive core. These defenders will be tasked with neutralising Westerlo’s attacking threats, ensuring that Warleson, the goalkeeper, is well protected. Overall, the tactical impact of these key players will be decisive in shaping Cercle Brugge’s approach and success in this fixture.

Cercle Brugge Tactics and Formation

Cercle Brugge Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Steve Ngoura
• Midfield Pivot: Hannes Van der Bruggen and Lawrence Agyekum
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and fast-paced wing play.

Cercle Brugge typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, offering a balanced approach at both ends of the pitch. The central midfield partnership of Hannes Van der Bruggen and Lawrence Agyekum is crucial, providing both defensive cover and the ability to transition quickly into attack. Steve Ngoura, as the leading forward, is pivotal in finishing chances, having scored four goals this season.

Defensively, the backline led by Christiaan Ravych and Edgaras Utkus has been somewhat porous, conceding in four of their last five matches. This underlines the need for improved defensive coordination, especially against teams with potent attacking threats.

Offensively, the team thrives on high pressing and exploiting the flanks, with wingers like Gary Magnee playing a significant role. Despite their attacking prowess, having kept only one clean sheet in the last five games suggests a vulnerability that Westerlo might exploit.

Westerlo vs Cercle Brugge Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Westerlo and Cercle Brugge, it is Cercle Brugge who have the upper hand with 19 wins compared to Westerlo’s 17, along with 11 draws. The last encounter saw Cercle Brugge dominate with a 4-1 victory at home in the Belgian Pro League.

The last time Westerlo hosted this fixture, they emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win in July 2024. This suggests that Westerlo can be a tough nut to crack at Het Kuipje, especially given their ability to score at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cercle Brugge	Westerlo	4 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-08-17
Cercle Brugge	Westerlo	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-02-16
Westerlo	Cercle Brugge	3 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-07-28
Westerlo	Cercle Brugge	4 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2024-01-30
Cercle Brugge	Westerlo	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2023-09-02