Club Brugge vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction, Match Preview, 16 January

Club Brugge vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction, Match Preview, 16 January. This Friday, 16 January, the Jan Breydel Stadion will host an intriguing clash in the First Division A as Club Brugge takes on RAAL La Louvière. Club Brugge, a well-established force in Belgian football, will be looking to assert their dominance at home. Meanwhile, RAAL La Louvière, eager to make their mark, will aim to challenge their hosts in what promises to be a competitive encounter.

The significance of this matchup lies in the contrasting ambitions of both teams. Club Brugge are expected to leverage their home advantage to secure crucial points in their league campaign. On the other hand, RAAL La Louvière will be keen to upset the odds and climb the league standings. As the teams prepare to face off at the Jan Breydel Stadion, fans can anticipate a match filled with tactical battles and potential surprises.

Club Brugge vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Club Brugge to Win	1.35

Considering Club Brugge’s overwhelming dominance at home and their formidable attacking metrics, our recommended betting tip is to back Club Brugge for a straightforward home win. The odds reflect their superiority but still offer reasonable value for accumulators.

• Club Brugge have scored in 89% of their home matches this season, showcasing their consistent attacking prowess.
• RAAL La Louvière have conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game, indicating defensive vulnerabilities against stronger sides.
• The motivation to avenge their previous defeat and maintain their dominant league position adds extra incentive for Club Brugge to secure a confident win.

Betting Odds

Club Brugge are the clear favourites in this matchup, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage at the Jan Breydel Stadion. Priced at 1.35, they are expected to dominate against RAAL La Louvière, who are seen as underdogs with odds of 7.86.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Club Brugge to win	1.35
Back the Draw	4.83
Back RAAL La Louvière to win	7.86

The draw is priced at 4.83, offering a tempting option for those anticipating a surprise result. Given Club Brugge’s attacking prowess, punters might also explore markets like over 2.5 goals or a win to nil.

Club Brugge Analysis & Past Performance

Club Brugge’s recent form has been somewhat mixed, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their recent performances include a commanding 5-3 victory over Genk and a solid 2-1 win against Gent, but they stumbled in their latest outing with a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Charleroi.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Charleroi	Club Brugge	2 – 0 (Loss)	Cup	13 Jan 2026
Sturm Graz	Club Brugge	2 – 2 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	8 Jan 2026
Genk	Club Brugge	3 – 5 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	26 Dec 2025
Club Brugge	Gent	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	21 Dec 2025
FCV Dender EH	Club Brugge	1 – 5 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Club Brugge’s attacking prowess is evident, averaging 2.80 goals per game over the past five contests. However, their defence has been less reliable, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet in this period. This has seen both teams score in 80% of their recent games, highlighting a vulnerability in defence.

Home vs Away Performance:
At home, Club Brugge have been strong, winning four out of their last five matches at the Jan Breydel Stadion, showcasing a win ratio of 80%. However, their away form has been less consistent, as evidenced by their recent away loss.

Team Dynamics & Key Players:

• LDWWW

Christos Tzolis has been a standout performer, contributing significantly with seven goals this season. The team sits 2nd in the league standings with 41 points, maintaining a competitive edge in the league. However, defensive solidity will be crucial for sustaining their title challenge.

Club Brugge Suspensions & Injuries

Club Brugge face a challenging situation with several key players doubtful due to injuries. The absence of Simon Mignolet, a crucial figure in goal, due to a muscle injury, is particularly concerning. His experience and leadership are difficult to replace, which might force Ivan Leko to rely on Dani van den Heuvel, who lacks Mignolet’s vast experience. Ludovit Reis and Lynnt Audoor, both suffering from injuries, will be missed in midfield, potentially impacting the team’s ability to control the game and transition effectively.

With Nordin Jackers also doubtful due to a broken rib, Club Brugge’s defensive options are further limited. This could result in a tactical reshuffle, possibly seeing Aleksandar Stankovic or Joel Ordonez stepping up to fill the void. The potential lack of depth might see Club Brugge adopting a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity over attacking flair, which could influence betting markets, potentially leading to lower expectations for a high-scoring game.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ludovit Reis	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Lynnt Audoor	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Nordin Jackers	Broken rib	Doubtful
Simon Mignolet	Muscle injury	Doubtful

The collective impact of these injuries on Club Brugge is significant, particularly with their ability to maintain a high press or counter-attack effectively. The tactical adjustments necessitated by these absences could see Ivan Leko opting for a more compact midfield structure to mitigate the absence of key midfielders and protect the defence. The uncertainty surrounding these players’ availability is likely to be a focal point for both teams’ strategies going into the match.

Club Brugge Key Players

Club Brugge’s offensive aspirations will heavily lean on Christos Tzolis, the team’s top scorer with seven goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net and his knack for exploiting defensive weaknesses make him a crucial player in their attacking setup. Positioned in midfield but often advancing into the forward lines, Tzolis’s interplay with the lone striker Romeo Vermant is expected to be pivotal in breaking down RAAL La Louvière’s defence.

Hans Vanaken, another key figure in midfield, provides both experience and creativity, orchestrating plays and setting the tempo. His vision and passing ability complement the dynamic runs of Carlos Forbs Borges and Hugo Vetlesen, who are also expected to contribute significantly to the team’s offensive endeavours. In defence, Brandon Mechele’s leadership and Joel Ordonez’s tackling prowess will be essential in maintaining a solid backline, crucial for Club Brugge’s tactical stability.

Expected lineup for Club Brugge

• Goalkeeper: Dani van den Heuvel
• Defenders: Kyriani Sabbe, Joel Ordonez, Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys
• Midfielders: Aleksandar Stankovic, Carlos Forbs Borges, Hugo Vetlesen, Hans Vanaken, Christos Tzolis
• Forwards: Romeo Vermant

Club Brugge Tactics and Formation

Club Brugge Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Vetlesen
• Midfield Pivot: Hans Vanaken and Christos Tzolis
• Defensive Strength: Struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in all last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions, especially effective in home matches.

Club Brugge typically operate with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to maintain a strong presence in midfield and support their attacking endeavours. Hans Vanaken and Christos Tzolis provide a balanced midfield pivot, combining defensive cover with creative playmaking abilities.

Defensively, the backline led by Aleksandar Stankovic and Brandon Mechele has faced challenges, as evidenced by the lack of clean sheets in recent matches. The side’s defensive organisation will need to improve to counteract RAAL La Louvière’s attacking threats.

Offensively, Club Brugge thrive on high pressing and rapid transitions, utilising the pace and technical skills of wingers Carlos Forbs and Kyriani Sabbe to stretch opposition defences. Hugo Vetlesen, as the central striker, will be pivotal in converting chances, supported by the attacking midfielders.

RAAL La Louvière Analysis & Past Performance

RAAL La Louvière’s recent form has been lacklustre, with their last five matches yielding a disappointing record of three losses and two draws. This sequence includes a narrow 2-1 defeat to Westerlo and a goalless draw against OH Leuven, highlighting their struggles to secure victories. As it stands, they sit 14th in the league, with a total of 20 points from 20 matches, reflecting their challenges this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Royal Antwerp	RAAL La Louvière	1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 0) (Loss)	Cup	13 Jan 2026
RAAL La Louvière	OH Leuven	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	27 Dec 2025
Westerlo	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	20 Dec 2025
Zulte Waregem	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
RAAL La Louvière	FCV Dender EH	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	5 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LDLDL

In terms of performance statistics, RAAL La Louvière have averaged 1.00 goals per game over their last five fixtures, while conceding 1.60 on average, which underscores their defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent struggles are further accentuated by a winless streak and a solitary clean sheet in their last five outings. Away from home, their form remains a concern, with just one win in their last ten away matches, indicating a need for improvement in their away performances.

RAAL La Louvière Suspensions & Injuries

RAAL La Louvière face a challenging test against Club Brugge, compounded by the uncertainty surrounding two key players due to injuries. Mouhamed Belkheir, suffering from a knee injury, and Wagane Faye, with an unspecified issue, are both doubtful for the upcoming match. Their potential absence could significantly weaken La Louvière’s attacking options and midfield stability. Belkheir’s dynamic play and Faye’s versatility are critical components of Frédéric Taquin’s strategy, and their unavailability may force the coach to reconsider his tactical approach.

In the absence of Belkheir, the attacking responsibilities may fall more heavily on Jerry Afriyie and Pape Moussa Fall, who will need to step up and provide the necessary firepower. In midfield, the onus will be on Sami Lahssaini and Samuel Gueulette to maintain control and creativity, possibly requiring a shift in formation to compensate for Faye’s potential absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mouhamed Belkheir	Knee injury	Doubtful
Wagane Faye	Unknown	Doubtful

Tactically, RAAL La Louvière might opt for a more conservative setup, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. With key players potentially missing, maintaining a compact shape and exploiting set-piece situations could be their best chance to unsettle Club Brugge. The betting markets might see a slight shift due to these injuries, potentially increasing the odds for a Club Brugge victory given La Louvière’s compromised lineup.

RAAL La Louvière Key Players

Leading the charge for RAAL La Louvière is their top scorer, Pape Moussa Fall, who has found the net three times this season. Fall’s role as a forward is pivotal, as his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play make him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. His partnership with fellow forward Jerry Afriyie is likely to be a key factor in their attacking strategy against Club Brugge.

In midfield, Sami Lahssaini stands out as a crucial playmaker for RAAL La Louvière. His vision and passing range allow the team to transition smoothly from defence to attack, potentially unlocking Club Brugge’s backline. Meanwhile, in defence, the trio of Maxence Maisonneuve, Yllan Okou, and Djibril Lamego are tasked with maintaining a solid backline. Their ability to read the game and intercept passes will be vital in curtailing the attacking threats posed by Club Brugge.

Expected lineup for RAAL La Louvière:

• Goalkeeper: Marcos Peano
• Defence: Maxence Maisonneuve, Yllan Okou, Djibril Lamego
• Midfield: Samuel Gueulette, Dario Benavides, Sami Lahssaini, Joël Ito, Nolan Gillot
• Forward: Jerry Afriyie, Pape Moussa Fall

RAAL La Louvière Tactics and Formation

RAAL La Louvière Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Pape Moussa Fall
• Midfield Dynamics: Sami Lahssaini and Samuel Gueulette
• Defensive Record: Struggled to maintain clean sheets, with only one in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and wing play.

RAAL La Louvière’s likely deployment in a 4-4-2 formation allows them to remain compact while attempting to exploit spaces on the wings. Pape Moussa Fall, their top scorer with three goals, plays a crucial role up front, often supported by Jerry Afriyie. This partnership is pivotal in their attacking plays.

In midfield, the combination of Sami Lahssaini and Samuel Gueulette is central to their ability to transition from defence to attack. They are tasked with breaking up opposition plays and distributing the ball effectively to the flanks, where Joël Ito and Djibril Lamego can drive forward.

Defensively, RAAL La Louvière have faced challenges, conceding eight goals in their last five matches. The defensive line, including Yllan Okou and Maxence Maisonneuve, needs to tighten up to prevent conceding and support their goalkeeper, Célestin De Schrevel, in achieving more clean sheets.

Club Brugge vs RAAL La Louvière Head-to-Head Record

In their only head-to-head encounter, RAAL La Louvière came out on top with a 1-0 victory over Club Brugge. This match took place in September 2025 during the Belgian Pro League, showcasing La Louvière’s ability to edge past Brugge despite being the underdogs.

Interestingly, this upcoming fixture marks the first time Club Brugge will host RAAL La Louvière at the Jan Breydel Stadion. With Brugge looking to avenge their previous loss, it will be fascinating to see if they can turn the tables on home turf.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
RAAL La Louvière	Club Brugge	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-13