Club Brugge vs Gent Prediction & Match Preview – 21 December

Club Brugge vs Gent Prediction & Match Preview for 21 December. This Sunday, 21 December, the Jan Breydel Stadion will host a compelling clash in Belgium’s First Division A as Club Brugge face Gent. Both sides are prominent names in Belgian football, and their encounters are often fiercely competitive, making this fixture one to follow closely.

Club Brugge, playing on home soil, will look to use their familiarity with the Jan Breydel Stadion to secure an important victory. Meanwhile, Gent will be determined to challenge the hosts and potentially upset the home crowd with a strong display. With both teams fighting for crucial points, this match could have a significant impact on their standings in the First Division A.

Club Brugge vs Gent: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Club Brugge to Win	1.43

Based on current form and historical trends, our recommended betting tip is for Club Brugge to win. The odds offer good value for a home victory, especially considering Club Brugge’s recent dominance against Gent and their strong performances at home.

• Club Brugge have an impressive home record, scoring in 88% of their matches at Jan Breydel Stadion this season.
• Gent are winless in their last six matches and are struggling for form.
• Club Brugge won their last home fixture against Gent 4-1, underlining their superiority in this matchup.

Betting Odds

Club Brugge are clear favourites against Gent, with the betting odds reflecting their strong home form at Jan Breydel Stadion. The odds for a home win are set at 1.43, indicating strong confidence in Club Brugge’s ability to claim all three points.

Betting Tip	Odds
Club Brugge to win	1.43
Draw	4.74
Gent to win	6.25

However, Gent’s odds of 6.25 may appeal to those seeking an upset, given their potential to surprise away from home. The draw, priced at 4.74, could also attract interest for those expecting a tightly contested match.

Club Brugge: Analysis & Recent Performance

Club Brugge have experienced mixed results in recent matches, recording two wins and three defeats in their last five games. Notably, they produced an emphatic 5-1 victory against FCV Dender EH, highlighting their attacking potential.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FCV Dender EH	Club Brugge	1 – 5 (Win)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025
Club Brugge	Arsenal	0 – 3 (Loss)	Champions League	10 Dec 2025
St.Truiden	Club Brugge	3 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Club Brugge	1 – 2 (Win)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Club Brugge	Royal Antwerp	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Club Brugge’s attack has been productive, averaging 1.80 goals per match over their last five fixtures. Defensively, however, they have been vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game in the same period. They managed to keep one clean sheet during these matches.

Home Performance:
At home, Club Brugge have been stronger, winning 60% of their last five home matches. They have averaged 1.60 goals per game at Jan Breydel Stadion, though their defence has conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match.

Season Overview:

• WLLWL

Currently second in the league, Club Brugge have 35 points and a season win ratio of 61%. Their average goals scored per match stands at 1.61, and they have kept seven clean sheets so far. The team remains dynamic, but greater defensive solidity could strengthen their title challenge.

Club Brugge: Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of Simon Mignolet due to a muscle injury is a major setback for Club Brugge, particularly as he is not expected back until early January 2026. His experience and leadership at the back will be missed, requiring Dani van den Heuvel to step up as the starting goalkeeper. Mignolet’s command of the area and distribution are key to Club Brugge’s defensive stability.

Player	Ban	Matches Left	Expected Comeback
Shandre Campbell	National team	2	Unknown
Raphael Onyedika	National team	2	Unknown

Ludovit Reis and Lynnt Audoor are both doubtful with shoulder and muscle injuries respectively, which could affect Club Brugge’s midfield depth. This may force coach Ivan Leko to rely more on Hans Vanaken and Christos Tzolis to drive the midfield. Nordin Jackers’ muscle injury, keeping him out until late December 2025, further stretches the squad.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ludovit Reis	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Lynnt Audoor	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Nordin Jackers	Broken rib	Late December 2025
Simon Mignolet	Muscle injury	Early January 2026

Shandre Campbell and Raphael Onyedika are both unavailable due to national team duty. Onyedika’s absence, in particular, leaves a gap in midfield, as seen in recent lineups. Aleksandar Stankovic may have to take on more responsibility, potentially altering the team’s midfield dynamic and affecting their control in the centre.

Club Brugge: Key Players

Christos Tzolis is Club Brugge’s top scorer this season with 7 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat to Gent’s backline. Tzolis’s knack for being in the right position at the right time is invaluable, especially with the creative support from his teammates.

Hans Vanaken is a pivotal figure in midfield, orchestrating play with his vision and passing range. His partnership with Hugo Vetlesen is crucial as they look to control the tempo and create chances for forwards like Nicolo Tresoldi and Carlos Forbs Borges. At the back, Brandon Mechele’s leadership and Joel Ordonez’s tackling will be vital in containing Gent’s attacking threats.

Expected Club Brugge lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Dani van den Heuvel
• Defence: Hugo Siquet, Joel Ordonez, Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys
• Midfield: Aleksandar Stankovic, Hugo Vetlesen, Hans Vanaken
• Forward: Nicolo Tresoldi, Christos Tzolis, Carlos Forbs Borges

Club Brugge’s tactical approach will likely focus on Tzolis’s goal threat and Vanaken’s playmaking to dominate possession. The defensive strength of Mechele and Ordonez could be decisive in keeping Gent at bay, making Brugge a formidable opponent.

Club Brugge: Tactics & Formation

Club Brugge Tactical Overview:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Nicolo Tresoldi
• Midfield Pivot: Aleksandar Stankovic and Raphael Onyedika
• Defensive Strength: Solid backline led by Brandon Mechele
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and exploiting wide areas.

Club Brugge’s 4-2-3-1 formation is built to maintain high possession and control the game’s tempo. The midfield pivot of Aleksandar Stankovic and Raphael Onyedika provides both defensive cover and creative outlets, allowing Carlos Forbs and Christos Tzolis to operate effectively on the wings.

Defensively, the team relies on Brandon Mechele’s experience and leadership at centre-back, with Hugo Siquet and Joaquin Seys supporting as full-backs. This setup has been effective, although recent matches have highlighted the need for tighter defensive coordination.

In attack, Club Brugge are adept at exploiting wide areas, with Hans Vanaken playing a key role in linking midfield and attack. Nicolo Tresoldi leads the line, using his movement and finishing to capitalise on service from the flanks.

Gent: Analysis & Recent Performance

Gent’s recent form has been inconsistent, with one win, two draws, and two defeats in their last five matches. Their 3-1 victory over Cercle Brugge in the Cup demonstrated their potential in knockout competitions. However, a recent 0-2 home loss to Royal Antwerp exposed defensive weaknesses, despite Gent enjoying 65% possession and 14 shots.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Gent	Royal Antwerp	0 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025
Union St. Gilloise	Gent	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Gent	1 – 3 (Win)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Gent	St. Truiden	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025
Westerlo	Gent	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LDWLD

Gent have averaged 1.00 goal per game in their last five matches, scoring five in total. Their defence has been leaky, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per match, with just one clean sheet in this period. Away from home, Gent have shown resilience, with a 20% win rate in their last five away games, including one win and two draws. Omri Gandelman remains their key attacking threat, having scored seven goals this season.

Gent: Suspensions & Injuries

Gent face a difficult situation ahead of their trip to Club Brugge, with several key players unavailable. Samuel Kotto and Abdoul Ayinde are both suspended due to national team commitments, leaving Gent short of defensive options. Their absence will force the coach to consider alternative defensive strategies, potentially altering the formation.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Samuel Kotto	National team	2	Unknown
Abdoul Ayinde	National team	2	Unknown

The injury list compounds Gent’s problems, with Hatim Essaouabi and Leonardo da Silva Lopes both doubtful due to knocks. This uncertainty could affect Gent’s midfield balance, as both players are important for maintaining possession and dictating play. The absence of da Silva Lopes, in particular, may lead to a reshuffle in midfield, giving less experienced players a chance.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Hatim Essaouabi	Knock	Doubtful
Leonardo da Silva Lopes	Knock	Doubtful

These absences could significantly impact Gent’s tactical approach, likely requiring a more conservative strategy against a strong Club Brugge side. The lack of depth and experience may also influence Gent’s odds, as they are expected to face a tough challenge without a full-strength squad.

Gent: Key Players

Omri Gandelman is Gent’s top scorer this season with 7 goals. As a dynamic midfielder, Gandelman combines goal-scoring ability with strong playmaking skills, making him a dual threat. His presence in midfield will be crucial as Gent look to exploit any weaknesses in Club Brugge’s defence.

In attack, Wilfried Kanga is another key figure who can influence the game with his physicality and finishing. In defence, Matties Volckaert and Maksim Paskotsi will be vital in maintaining structure and resilience against Club Brugge’s attacking threats.

De Vlieger and Surdez in midfield will aim to control the tempo, providing stability and support in both defence and attack. Their ability to break up opposition play and launch counter-attacks will be central to Gent’s tactical approach.

Expected Gent lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Davy Roef
• Defenders: Matisse Samoise, Matties Volckaert, Maksim Paskotsi, Siebe van der Heyden, Michal Skoras
• Midfielders: Omri Gandelman, Tibe De Vlieger, Franck Surdez
• Forwards: Hyllarion Goore, Wilfried Kanga

Gent: Tactics & Formation

Gent Tactical Overview:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Wilfried Kanga
• Midfield Pivot: Omri Gandelman
• Defensive Strength: Five-man defence
• Notable Strategy: High possession and pressing style.

Gent’s recent 5-3-2 formation is designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing for attacking flexibility. With a five-man defence featuring players like Matisse Samoise and Michal Skoras, Gent aim to prevent counter-attacks and keep clean sheets. The midfield, led by Omri Gandelman, balances defensive duties with launching attacks.

In attack, Gent rely on the partnership of Wilfried Kanga and Hyllarion Goore. Kanga’s physicality and Goore’s pace make them a dangerous duo, capable of exploiting defensive gaps. This is supported by a high-possession approach, with Gent often dominating the ball to create chances.

Defensively, Gent focus on pressing high up the pitch to disrupt opponents’ build-up play. However, they have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five games, indicating some vulnerability when transitioning from defence to attack.

Club Brugge vs Gent: Head-to-Head Record

In their last 50 meetings, Club Brugge have the advantage with 22 wins compared to Gent’s 19, with 9 draws. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Gent’s ground in the Belgian Pro League. Notably, in the last Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group clash, Club Brugge secured a dominant 4-1 home win.

The last time Club Brugge hosted Gent at Jan Breydel Stadion in the regular season, they suffered a 2-4 defeat. Despite this, Club Brugge have traditionally been strong at home, making this fixture particularly intriguing for punters.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Gent	Club Brugge	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-08-31
Club Brugge	Gent	4 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-05-01
Gent	Club Brugge	0 – 5	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-04-20
Gent	Club Brugge	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-03-01
Club Brugge	Gent	2 – 4	Belgian Pro League	2024-09-22