Sporting Charleroi vs Genk Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 19 December

Sporting Charleroi vs Genk Prediction, Match Preview: On Friday, 19 December, the Belgian First Division A offers an intriguing encounter as Sporting Charleroi hosts Genk at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi. Both teams are eager to strengthen their positions in the league, making this fixture significant for their respective campaigns.

Sporting Charleroi will look to make the most of their home advantage at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, while Genk will be aiming to assert their strong away form. As the season progresses, every point is vital, and this match could be pivotal in shaping the league table. Supporters and punters alike will be watching closely to see which side can seize this opportunity.

Sporting Charleroi vs Genk Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.7

Given the recent performances and defensive weaknesses of both teams, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score (BTTS). This market is appealing due to the attacking strengths and defensive lapses shown by both sides.

• Sporting Charleroi have demonstrated their ability to score, as seen in their recent 3-2 win over Cercle Brugge.
• Genk’s defensive shortcomings were evident in their 3-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp, but they also possess considerable attacking quality.
• Both teams have a tendency to concede, with Charleroi averaging 1.2 goals conceded per match and Genk 1.3, suggesting an open contest.

Betting Odds

Sporting Charleroi and Genk are set for a closely fought contest, with the betting odds reflecting a tight match-up. Genk are slight favourites at odds of 2.51, but Charleroi’s home advantage gives them a strong chance at 2.78. The draw, priced at 3.18, may attract those expecting a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
Sporting Charleroi to win	2.78
Draw	3.18
Genk to win	2.51

For those interested in alternative betting markets, the potential for goals is worth considering, as both teams have shown attacking intent in recent games. The over 2.5 goals market could offer value given the attacking capabilities on display.

Sporting Charleroi Analysis & Recent Performance

Sporting Charleroi currently sit in 12th place in the league with 20 points this season. Their recent form has been disappointing, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. This run includes a 1-1 draw with Union Saint-Gilloise and a 1-0 defeat to KV Mechelen, underlining their struggle for consistent results.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Charleroi	Union St.Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Dec, 2025
KV Mechelen	Sporting Charleroi	1 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	7 Dec, 2025
Sporting Charleroi	KV Mechelen	2 – 0 (Win)	Cup	4 Dec, 2025
Sporting Charleroi	RAAL La Louviere	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	29 Nov, 2025
Club Brugge	Sporting Charleroi	1 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	22 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:

• DLWDL

In their last five games, Sporting Charleroi have averaged 0.60 goals scored per match and conceded the same. They have kept two clean sheets, showing some defensive resilience despite their overall struggles. At home, their form is slightly better, with three wins in their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over KV Mechelen in the Cup. However, their inability to turn close games into wins remains a concern.

Sporting Charleroi Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting Charleroi face a tough fixture against Genk with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Mohamed Koné, who is suspended for national team duty, is a significant blow to their defensive options. As he misses two matches, the team will need to adapt defensively, likely relying on Aiham Ousou and Lewin Blum to step up.

Player	Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Mohamed Koné	National team	2	Unknown

Injuries are also a concern for Sporting Charleroi, with Massamba Sow, Nikoloz Chikovani, Theo Defourny, and Quentin Benaets all listed as doubts. The uncertainty around Defourny’s shoulder injury further complicates the goalkeeper position, potentially forcing a tactical reshuffle with backup options. The midfield is also stretched with Chikovani’s day-to-day status, requiring players like Etienne Camara to fill in.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Massamba Sow	Unknown	Doubtful
Nikoloz Chikovani	Unknown	Day to day
Theo Defourny	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Quentin Benaets	Unknown	Doubtful

These absences could impact Sporting Charleroi’s tactical approach, possibly making them more cautious against a strong Genk side. The lack of key players might influence betting markets, potentially favouring Genk, given Charleroi’s reduced squad depth and the need for less experienced players to step up.

Sporting Charleroi Key Players

Parfait Guiagon is Sporting Charleroi’s top scorer this season with four goals, leading their attack. Guiagon’s consistent goal threat makes him a crucial figure in their forward line. His agility and accurate finishing are vital assets, especially when supported by the creative midfield.

In midfield, Patrick Pflücke plays a key role with his vision and passing accuracy, providing important links between defence and attack. Yacine Titraoui adds dynamism, capable of breaking up opposition play and starting forward moves. At the back, Aiham Ousou is a key defender, whose strong tackling and aerial ability are essential for keeping the defence organised.

Expected lineup for Sporting Charleroi:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Delavallee
• Defenders: Lewin Blum, Aiham Ousou, Cheick Keita, Mardochée Nzita Theto
• Midfielders: Yacine Titraoui, Etienne Camara, Patrick Pflücke
• Forwards: Antoine Bernier, Parfait Guiagon, Aurelien Scheidler

The tactical impact of these players is clear: Guiagon’s goal threat requires constant attention from defences, while Pflücke’s playmaking can unlock tight opposition. Ousou’s defensive reliability helps Charleroi absorb pressure, making these players indispensable to their strategy. Together, they provide a balanced mix of attacking flair and defensive stability.

Sporting Charleroi Tactics and Formation

Sporting Charleroi Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Aurelien Scheidler
• Midfield Pivot: Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Counter-attacking and exploiting spaces behind the opposition defence.

Sporting Charleroi are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing balance between defence and attack. Aurelien Scheidler leads the line, acting as a focal point and holding up play for midfield runners like Antoine Bernier and Patrick Pflücke.

In midfield, Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara are expected to anchor, offering defensive cover and the ability to launch quick transitions. Their roles are crucial for maintaining possession and disrupting the opposition, especially against high-pressing teams.

Defensively, the back four, including Cheick Keita and Mardochée Nzita, have shown resilience, keeping two clean sheets in recent matches. Sporting Charleroi’s tactical discipline and swift counter-attacks are key to their strategy, particularly effective against teams that commit players forward.

Genk Analysis & Recent Performance

Genk’s recent form has been inconsistent, with one win, two defeats, and two draws in their last five matches. Their only victory came against OH Leuven (2-1), highlighting a struggle to build momentum across competitions, including a Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland (0-1) and a Jupiler League loss to Royal Antwerp (0-3).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Genk	Westerlo	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	14 Dec 2025
FC Midtjylland	Genk	1 – 0 (Loss)	Europa League	11 Dec 2025
Royal Antwerp	Genk	3 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
Genk	Anderlecht	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 2) (Loss)	Cup	4 Dec 2025
Genk	OH Leuven	2 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Genk have averaged just 0.80 goals per match over their last five games, underlining their current attacking difficulties. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match and have not kept a clean sheet in this period. This defensive vulnerability is a concern, especially given their inability to prevent goals.

Genk’s away record this season is slightly better, with a 40% win ratio from their last five away fixtures (two wins, one draw, two losses). However, their lack of clean sheets and a persistent habit of conceding highlight their defensive weaknesses on the road.

Currently seventh in the league with 24 points, Genk need to address their defensive lapses and improve their goal-scoring efficiency to climb the table. With Hyun-Gyu Oh, who has scored six goals, leading the line, Genk must capitalise on his scoring ability to rediscover their form.

• DLLLW

Genk Suspensions & Injuries

Genk are facing a difficult situation with several key players potentially unavailable. Junya Ito, an important part of their attack, is doubtful due to a knock, which may force the team to rethink their attacking approach. Ito’s absence could significantly reduce Genk’s ability to break down Charleroi’s defence, given his pace and creativity on the wing.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Joris Kayembe Ditu	International duty	2	Unknown

Joris Kayembe Ditu is struggling with a muscle injury and is also suspended due to international duty, leaving a gap in defence. This double absence may force Genk to rely on less experienced players, potentially affecting their defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Ken Nkuba Tshiend’s heel injury makes his involvement uncertain, adding to Genk’s selection concerns.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Junya Ito	Knock	Doubtful
Joris Kayembe Ditu	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Ken Nkuba Tshiend	Heel injury	Doubtful
Noah Adedeji-Sternberg	Muscle injury	Late December 2025

With several first-team regulars in doubt, Genk may need to adjust tactically, possibly reinforcing the midfield to compensate for defensive vulnerabilities. The potential absence of these players could influence betting markets, making Charleroi appear more favourable given Genk’s current squad limitations.

Genk Key Players

Leading the line for Genk, Hyun-Gyu Oh is the team’s top scorer with six goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat. Oh’s movement and positioning are crucial for Genk’s attack, and his contribution will be vital in breaking down Sporting Charleroi’s defence.

In midfield, Bryan Heynen is the orchestrator, controlling play with his vision and passing. His ability to dictate the tempo and distribute the ball allows Genk to transition smoothly from defence to attack. Alongside Heynen, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura brings energy and dynamism, which could be vital for midfield control. At the back, Mujaid Sadick’s strength and tactical awareness are essential for organising the defence and neutralising Charleroi’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Genk

• Goalkeeper: Hendrik van Crombrugge
• Defence: Zakaria El Ouahdi, Mujaid Sadick, Matte Smets, Yaimar Medina
• Midfield: Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Bryan Heynen, Daan Heymans
• Forward: Jarne Steuckers, Yira Sor, Robin Mirisola

The tactical impact of these players is significant: Oh’s goal-scoring ability and Heynen’s playmaking form the backbone of Genk’s attack, while Sadick’s defensive solidity provides a strong foundation. With these strengths, Genk will aim for a balanced approach, blending attacking intent with defensive resilience to secure a positive result.

Genk Tactics and Formation

Genk Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Not specified, but recently used a 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Robin Mirisola
• Midfield Pivot: Bryan Heynen and Ibrahima Sory Bangoura
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with an emphasis on midfield dominance.

Genk have recently favoured a 4-5-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield with players like Bryan Heynen and Ibrahima Sory Bangoura. This approach allows them to maintain high possession, as shown by their 68% possession in their last match against Westerlo.

Defensively, Genk have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches. The defensive line, featuring Zakaria El Ouahdi and Mujaid Sadick, will need to be more disciplined to avoid conceding, especially against counter-attacking teams.

In attack, Genk rely on Robin Mirisola to convert midfield dominance into goals. Despite scoring only four goals in their last five matches, their strategy of building attacks from midfield remains central to their game plan.

Sporting Charleroi vs Genk Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Sporting Charleroi and Genk, Genk have the advantage with 24 wins compared to Charleroi’s 15, while 13 matches have ended in a draw. The most recent meeting saw Charleroi secure a 1-0 away win at Genk in the Belgian Pro League, a surprise result given Genk’s stronger overall record.

The last time these two sides met at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, the match ended 1-1 in February 2025. Charleroi will hope to make the most of their home advantage this time, although Genk’s past performances suggest it will be a tough contest.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Genk	Sporting Charleroi	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-17
Sporting Charleroi	Genk	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-02-28
Genk	Sporting Charleroi	3 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-11-23
Genk	Sporting Charleroi	3 – 3	Club Friendlies	2024-07-06
Sporting Charleroi	Genk	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-02-23