Gent vs Royal Antwerp Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 14 December

Gent will face Royal Antwerp in an intriguing clash in the Belgian First Division A at the Planet Group Arena on Sunday, 14 December. This encounter is set to be a significant fixture in the Belgian league, with both teams eager to secure crucial points. Gent, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Planet Group Arena to gain an edge over their rivals.

Royal Antwerp, meanwhile, will aim to challenge Gent’s home advantage and climb the league standings. With both teams harbouring strong ambitions in the First Division A, this match promises to be a competitive affair. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it is important to consider the current form and head-to-head statistics, which could provide valuable insights for bettors.

Gent vs Royal Antwerp Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Royal Antwerp +0.50 (Asian Handicap)	1.78

Based on current form and historical performance, backing Royal Antwerp to win appears to be a sensible bet. They have not been defeated by Gent in their last five away encounters in this competition and have demonstrated strong attacking qualities recently.

• Royal Antwerp have not lost to Gent in their last five away matches in this competition, indicating a psychological advantage.
• Gent have failed to win in their last five matches, reflecting a dip in their current form.
• Royal Antwerp’s defence has been relatively solid, conceding an average of just 1.1 goals per game this season.

Betting Odds

Gent enter this fixture at the Planet Group Arena as favourites with odds of 2.17, but Royal Antwerp are not to be underestimated, priced at 3.14. The draw is also an attractive option at 3.41, given the competitive nature of these Belgian First Division A clashes.

Betting Tip	Odds
Gent to win	2.17
Draw	3.41
Royal Antwerp to win	3.14

For those considering a wager, the odds suggest a closely contested match. With both sides adept at finding the net, exploring the over 2.5 goals market could be worthwhile.

Gent Analysis & Past Performance

Gent have experienced mixed results in recent weeks, with only one win in their last five matches. Their recent performances include a 3-1 victory over Cercle Bruges in the cup, but they have struggled in the league with draws against Union St. Gilloise (1-1) and Westerlo (0-0), as well as a narrow defeat to St. Truiden (1-2).

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Tournament	Date
Union St.Gilloise	Gent	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Cercle Bruges	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
Gent	Genk	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	9 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• DWLDD

Gent’s attack has been inconsistent, averaging 1.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Despite scoring in four out of these five games, their defence has shown vulnerability, conceding an average of 1.00 goals per match. They have managed just one clean sheet during this period, highlighting defensive frailties. At home, however, they have been stronger, winning three of their last five matches, which could prove crucial against Royal Antwerp.

Gent Suspensions & Injuries

Gent face some challenges with their squad depth as they prepare to take on Royal Antwerp. The absence of Hatim Essaouabi, who is dealing with a knock and remains doubtful for the upcoming match, could affect their tactical flexibility. Mathias Delorge’s sprained ankle rules him out until late December, impacting their midfield options. These injuries may force coach Rik De Mil to make significant adjustments to the lineup and strategy, especially considering the importance of maintaining midfield stability against a strong opponent.

The absence of these players may prompt Gent to rely more heavily on available midfielders such as Omri Gandelman and Michał Skóraś, who are expected to step up in Delorge’s absence. Tactically, Gent could adopt a more conservative style, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions to compensate for the lack of depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Hatim Essaouabi	Knock injury	Doubtful
Mathias Delorge	Sprained ankle	Late December 2025

With no suspensions to contend with, Gent’s focus will be on managing these injuries effectively. The unavailability of key players can influence betting markets, potentially affecting odds and expectations for the outcome. Bettors may wish to consider the impact of these absences when evaluating Gent’s chances against Royal Antwerp.

Gent Key Players

Omri Gandelman stands out as Gent’s top scorer, having netted an impressive seven goals this season. His role in midfield is pivotal, often driving the team’s attacking play with his intelligent positioning and ability to find the net. Gandelman’s contributions are crucial in breaking down opposition defences, and his goal-scoring prowess adds a significant threat from midfield.

The defensive line, featuring Matties Volckaert and Maksim Paskotsi, provides stability and resilience. Volckaert, with his strong tackling and aerial ability, is a key figure in thwarting opposition attacks, while Paskotsi’s positioning and reading of the game are vital in maintaining a compact defensive structure. These players are central to Gent’s tactical approach, ensuring a solid foundation from which to build attacks.

Expected lineup for Gent

• Goalkeeper: Davy Roef
• Defenders: Matties Volckaert, Maksim Paskotsi, Siebe van der Heyden
• Midfielders: Matisse Samoise, Omri Gandelman, Tibe De Vlieger, Michał Skóraś, Abdelkahar Kadri
• Forwards: Wilfried Kanga, Hyllarion Goore

Additionally, in attack, Wilfried Kanga and Hyllarion Goore are expected to play crucial roles. Kanga’s physicality and ability to hold up the ball complement Goore’s pace and agility, making them a formidable duo up front. Their interplay and movement off the ball can create opportunities and stretch the opposition defence, making them essential to Gent’s offensive strategy.

Gent Tactics and Formation

Gent Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Wilfried Kanga
• Midfield Pivot: Matisse Samoise and Omri Gandelman
• Defensive Strength: Consistency in defensive line but lacking recent clean sheets
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing

Gent typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield is anchored by Matisse Samoise and Omri Gandelman, the latter being the team’s top scorer with seven goals. This duo is crucial in dictating the tempo and transitioning the ball forward.

In defence, Gent rely on the stability of Matties Volckaert and Maksim Paskotsi, although recent performances indicate vulnerability, having conceded in four of their last five matches. The lack of clean sheets highlights a need for greater defensive cohesion.

Offensively, Gent’s strategy revolves around wide play, utilising the crossing abilities of Michał Skóraś and Abdelkahar Kadri to supply forwards Wilfried Kanga and Hyllarion Goore. This approach capitalises on Kanga’s physical presence in the box, aiming to disrupt opposition defences.

Royal Antwerp Analysis & Past Performance

Royal Antwerp have shown a mix of results in their recent form, with an impressive run of four wins in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent performances include a commanding 3-0 victory over Genk and a hard-fought 3-3 draw against St. Truiden, which they eventually won on penalties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Royal Antwerp	Genk	3 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
Royal Antwerp	St.Truiden	N/A	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Club Brugge	Royal Antwerp	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025
Royal Antwerp	FCV Dender EH	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	23 Nov 2025
Royal Antwerp	RAAL La Louviere	3 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	8 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• WWWLW

Royal Antwerp’s attack has been highly effective, averaging 3.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have managed to secure two clean sheets during this period, although they have also conceded nine goals, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Their away form, however, has been less impressive, with just one win from their last five away games, resulting in a win ratio of 0.20. The team currently sit 10th in the league, with 20 points, suggesting room for improvement, particularly in away fixtures.

Royal Antwerp Suspensions & Injuries

Royal Antwerp face a challenging match against Gent with several key players potentially unavailable due to injury. Björn Engels and Andreas Verstraeten are both doubtful, which could significantly affect Antwerp’s defensive solidity. Engels, in particular, is an influential figure in the backline, and his absence might necessitate a reshuffle in defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Björn Engels	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Geoffry Hairemans	Cruciate Ligament Injury	Early April 2026
Andreas Verstraeten	Ankle Injury	Doubtful
Mukhammadali Urinboev	Knock	Doubtful

The midfield is also impacted, with Geoffry Hairemans out due to a long-term cruciate ligament injury, further complicating Antwerp’s tactical plans. Hairemans’ absence removes a creative spark from midfield, forcing coach Joseph Oosting to rely on alternative options such as Thibo Somers and Xander Dierckx to fill the creative void.

In attack, Mukhammadali Urinboev’s doubtful status due to a knock could place more responsibility on Vincent Janssen and Gyrano Kerk in the forward line. The absence of these players could influence Antwerp’s approach, potentially leading to a more conservative strategy if defensive options are limited. This, in turn, might affect their prospects in the betting markets, as Gent could look to exploit these vulnerabilities.

Royal Antwerp Key Players

Vincent Janssen stands out as Royal Antwerp’s top scorer, having netted four goals this season. His ability to find space in the box and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. Playing as a forward, Janssen’s role will be pivotal in breaking down Gent’s backline, especially with his knack for capitalising on loose balls and creating scoring opportunities.

Gyrano Kerk, another key figure in the forward line, complements Janssen with his pace and dribbling skills, often stretching the opposition’s defence. In midfield, Mauricio Benítez and Xander Dierckx are essential for controlling the tempo and distributing the ball efficiently. Their ability to link defence and attack could be crucial in transitioning play and maintaining possession.

Expected lineup for Royal Antwerp

• Goalkeeper: Taishi Brandon Nozawa
• Defence: Zeno Van Den Bosch, Kiki Kouyaté, Rosen Bozhinov
• Midfield: Thibo Somers, Mauricio Benítez, Xander Dierckx, Christopher Scott
• Forward: Gyrano Kerk, Vincent Janssen, Marwan Al-Sahafi

Defensively, Kiki Kouyaté is crucial for Royal Antwerp, known for his aerial prowess and strong tackling. His partnership with Rosen Bozhinov in central defence provides a solid foundation to repel Gent’s attacking threats. These players’ performances will heavily influence Antwerp’s tactical setup, focusing on a balanced approach between solid defence and swift counter-attacks.

Royal Antwerp Tactics and Formation

Royal Antwerp Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Vincent Janssen
• Midfield Engine: Mauricio Benítez
• Defensive Structure: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and exploiting wide areas.

Royal Antwerp typically set up in a 3-4-3 formation, which offers a balance between defensive solidity and attacking prowess. The defensive trio of Zeno Van Den Bosch, Kiki Kouyaté, and Rosen Bozhinov provides a robust shield in front of the goalkeeper, allowing for effective defensive cover and contributing to their recent clean sheets.

In midfield, Mauricio Benítez plays a pivotal role in dictating play, supported by Thibo Somers and Christopher Scott, who are tasked with both defensive duties and advancing play. The wide midfielders provide width, enabling quick transitions from defence to attack, a key aspect of their strategy.

Offensively, Vincent Janssen leads the line as the focal point of attacks, with support from wingers Gyrano Kerk and Marwan Al-Sahafi. This setup allows Antwerp to exploit the flanks effectively, creating opportunities through crosses and direct runs, contributing to their impressive goal-scoring average.

Gent vs Royal Antwerp Head-to-Head Record

In their last 30 encounters, Royal Antwerp have the upper hand with 12 wins compared to Gent’s eight, alongside 10 draws. Gent managed to secure a 2-1 victory in their most recent meeting away at Antwerp in the Belgian Pro League. This win could give them a psychological edge heading into this fixture.

The last time Gent hosted Royal Antwerp, they suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat in the Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group. This result highlights Antwerp’s ability to perform well on Gent’s turf, making them a formidable opponent in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Royal Antwerp	Gent	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-14
Gent	Royal Antwerp	0 – 3	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-05-11
Royal Antwerp	Gent	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Championship Group	2025-04-13
Royal Antwerp	Gent	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-03-09
Gent	Royal Antwerp	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-09-01