Gent vs Zulte Waregem Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, March 13th

Gent will host Zulte Waregem at the Planet Group Arena on Friday, March 13th, in what promises to be an intriguing clash in the First Division A. This match is a significant fixture as both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the league standings. The home advantage at the Planet Group Arena could play a crucial role for Gent as they look to capitalise on familiar surroundings.

Zulte Waregem, on the other hand, will be eager to upset the odds and secure a vital away victory. With both teams having a lot to play for, this encounter is expected to be closely contested. As we delve into the dynamics of this First Division A match, the performances of key players from both Gent and Zulte Waregem will likely be decisive in determining the outcome.

Gent vs Zulte Waregem Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Over 2.5 Goals	1.32

Considering the recent form and head-to-head statistics between Gent and Zulte Waregem, the Over 2.5 Goals market stands out as the best betting tip. Both teams have shown a propensity to concede goals, and their offensive capabilities are well documented, making this a high-potential market for bettors.

• Gent have scored in 86% of their home matches this season, indicating strong offensive potential.
• Zulte Waregem concede an average of 1.6 goals per match, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• The historical matchups between these teams often result in high-scoring games, further supporting this bet.

Betting Odds

Gent are coming into this match as the favourites with odds of 2.03, reflecting their strong home advantage at the Planet Group Arena. However, Zulte Waregem, with odds of 3.29, have shown they can pull off surprises, making them an interesting underdog pick.

Betting Tip	Odds
Gent to win	2.03
Draw	3.6
Zulte Waregem to win	3.29

The draw is priced at 3.6, suggesting a competitive encounter. For those looking to bet, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth a punt, given both teams’ attacking capabilities in recent fixtures.

Gent Analysis & Past Performance

Gent’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two victories and three losses in their last five matches. This includes a recent 3-1 win at home against KV Mechelen, but also a 3-0 defeat away to Genk. Their form at the Planet Group Arena has been slightly better, winning three of their last five home games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Gent	KV Mechelen	3 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	Mar 8, 2026
Genk	Gent	3 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler League	Mar 1, 2026
Gent	Cercle Bruges	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	Feb 20, 2026
Sporting Charleroi	Gent	2 – 3 (Win)	Jupiler League	Feb 14, 2026
Gent	OH Leuven	1 – 3 (Loss)	Jupiler League	Feb 7, 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five outings, Gent have averaged 1.40 goals scored per game while conceding 2.00, highlighting a defensive frailty that has seen them concede in every match. Despite scoring in three of these games, they have failed to keep any clean sheets. Their attack is spearheaded by Wilfried Kanga, who has netted eight times this season. However, the defensive lapses have seen them drop to sixth in the standings with 39 points.

Home vs Away Performance:

• WLLWL

At home, Gent have displayed a stronger performance with a win ratio of 60%, compared to an overall win ratio of 40%. This suggests a tactical advantage when playing at the Planet Group Arena, although defensive challenges remain consistent across venues. Their ability to convert chances at home has been crucial, yet defensive adjustments are needed to maintain a top-half league position.

Gent Suspensions & Injuries

Gent face a few challenges ahead of their match against Zulte Waregem due to injuries and suspensions. The suspension of Tiago Araújo for accumulating yellow cards is a significant blow to their midfield, as he has been a regular starter. This absence may require Gent to alter their midfield dynamics, possibly bringing in a more defensive option to maintain balance and cover the gaps left by Araújo. | Player | Suspension | Matches Remaining | Expected Return |
| ———— | ———— | —————– | ————— |
| Tiago Araújo | Yellow cards | 1 | Unknown |

In terms of injuries, Gent are dealing with uncertainties concerning Mathias Delorge, Matisse Samoise, and Hyllarion Goore. Delorge’s ankle injury, alongside Samoise’s unknown issue and Goore’s muscle injury, leaves a cloud of doubt over their availability. This situation could force the coach, Rik De Mil, to look for alternative options, potentially giving younger or less experienced players a chance to step up, which could impact the team’s fluidity and tactical execution. | Player | Injury | Expected Return |
| ————— | ————- | ————— |
| Mathias Delorge | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Matisse Samoise | Unknown | Doubtful |
| Hyllarion Goore | Muscle injury | Doubtful |

The collective absence of these players might lead to a tactical reshuffle, with Gent likely having to adapt their usual playing style to compensate for the missing personnel. The potential lack of depth in certain positions might be a concern, especially if the replacements lack the experience or versatility of those sidelined.

These unavailabilities could influence the betting markets, as Gent might be considered slightly weaker without these key figures. Bettors may see this as an opportunity to back Zulte Waregem or predict a lower-scoring affair, given Gent’s potential struggles in maintaining their usual attacking potency.

Gent Key Players

Gent’s offensive threat is spearheaded by their top scorer, Wilfried Kanga, who has found the net 8 times this season. Kanga’s role as a forward is pivotal, as his ability to exploit defensive gaps and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to Zulte Waregem’s backline. His partnership with Max Dean up front is expected to be a key factor in Gent’s attacking strategy, with both players looking to capitalise on any defensive errors.

In midfield, Leonardo da Silva Lopes and Hyun-Seok Hong are essential to Gent’s tactical setup. Lopes, with his robust defensive skills, provides the team with stability while Hong’s creativity and vision in the playmaking role can unlock defences with his precise passing. This midfield duo is expected to orchestrate play and maintain possession, which will be crucial against a potentially resilient Zulte Waregem.

Expected lineup for Gent

• Goalkeeper: Davy Roef
• Defenders: Daiki Hashioka, Matties Volckaert, Siebe van der Heyden
• Midfielders: Michal Skoras, Tibe De Vlieger, Leonardo da Silva Lopes, Jean-Kevin Duverne, Hyun-Seok Hong
• Forwards: Wilfried Kanga, Max Dean

Defensively, Daiki Hashioka and Siebe van der Heyden will be vital in maintaining a solid backline. Hashioka’s ability to read the game and van der Heyden’s strength in aerial duels will be key to neutralising any threats from Zulte Waregem’s attackers. The coordination and understanding between these defenders can significantly influence Gent’s chances of keeping a clean sheet, providing a strong platform for the team to build upon.

Gent Tactics and Formation

Gent Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Wilfried Kanga
• Midfield Engine: Hyun-Seok Hong and Leonardo Lopes
• Defensive Vulnerability: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and wing play.

Gent’s tactical approach under Rik De Mil typically involves a 4-4-2 formation, offering a balanced structure that supports both offensive and defensive transitions. The midfield, anchored by Hyun-Seok Hong and Leonardo Lopes, provides energy and creativity, crucial for controlling the tempo and linking play with the forwards.

Defensively, Gent have struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches. The backline, featuring players like Daiki Hashioka and Siebe van der Heyden, needs to tighten up to prevent conceding early goals, which have often put the team on the back foot.

Offensively, Gent rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Wilfried Kanga, their top scorer with eight goals. The team utilises high pressing and wing play, with players like Michal Skoras providing width and pace, which can be particularly effective in breaking down defences during transitions.

Zulte Waregem Analysis & Past Performance

Zulte Waregem’s recent form has been challenging, as they find themselves on a difficult run with only one win in their last five matches. They’ve suffered four consecutive losses, indicating a need for significant improvement. Their most recent defeat came at home against Standard Liège, where they lost 0-1, despite controlling 49% possession and taking 19 shots.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Zulte Waregem	Standard Liege	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	8 Mar 2026
KV Mechelen	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	28 Feb 2026
Zulte Waregem	Anderlecht	2 – 4 (Loss)	Jupiler League	22 Feb 2026
St.Truiden	Zulte Waregem	3 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	15 Feb 2026
Zulte Waregem	FCV Dender EH	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	7 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• LLLLW

In their last five outings, Zulte Waregem have managed to score just 1.20 goals per game while conceding an average of 2.00. Their defensive vulnerabilities are further highlighted by only one clean sheet in this period. Away from home, they have particularly struggled, losing all five of their recent away fixtures. Their away win ratio stands at 0.00, which is a significant concern as they prepare for another road challenge.

Zulte Waregem Suspensions & Injuries

Zulte Waregem face a challenging situation with several players listed as doubtful due to injuries. Nikola Mituljikic and Serxho Ujka are both dealing with muscle and knee injuries, respectively, making their participation uncertain. Laurent Lemoine’s unspecified issue adds to the defensive concerns, while Tristan Panduro’s foot injury might see him sidelined for about a week. These absences could significantly impact Zulte Waregem’s tactical approach, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity and midfield creativity.

The absence of key players like Mituljikic and Ujka may force coach Sven Vandenbroeck to explore alternative options in the lineup. With the current squad depth, players from the bench might need to step up, potentially altering the team’s dynamic. The lack of confirmed starting options could lead to a more conservative formation, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces to compensate for the missing tactical elements.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Nikola Mituljikic	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Serxho Ujka	Knee injury	Doubtful
Laurent Lemoine	Unknown	Doubtful
Tristan Panduro	Foot injury	About a week

These injuries might also influence the betting markets, as Zulte Waregem’s reduced squad depth could sway odds in favour of their opponents, Gent. The uncertainty surrounding player availability creates a more unpredictable match scenario, potentially affecting betting strategies and expectations.

Zulte Waregem Key Players

Jeppe Erenbjerg stands out as Zulte Waregem’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 9 goals, making him a crucial component of their offensive strategy. His versatility in midfield allows him to create opportunities and finish them with equal prowess. Erenbjerg’s ability to transition from midfield to attack seamlessly is a tactical advantage that Zulte Waregem will heavily rely on against Gent.

In the forward line, Joseph Opoku and Anosike Ementa are expected to spearhead the attack. Opoku’s pace and dribbling skills, combined with Ementa’s physical presence, provide a dynamic duo capable of unsettling any defence. Meanwhile, in defence, Jakob Kiilerich’s leadership and aerial ability will be vital in organising the backline and thwarting Gent’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Zulte Waregem:

• Goalkeeper: Brent Gabriel
• Defence: Benoit De Jaegere, Jakob Kiilerich, Lukas Willen
• Midfield: Benoît Nyssen, Dirk Asare, Thomas Claes, Emran Soglo, Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Forward: Joseph Opoku, Anosike Ementa

Zulte Waregem Tactics and Formation

Zulte Waregem Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Unspecified
• Key Forward: Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Midfield Pair: Benoit Nyssen and Dirk Asare
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 10 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on attacking play, with vulnerabilities in defence.

Zulte Waregem’s recent performances suggest a need for tactical adjustments, particularly in defence. The absence of a specified formation makes it challenging to predict exact tactical setups, but the inclusion of players like Benoit Nyssen and Dirk Asare in midfield highlights a focus on controlling the central areas.

Defensively, Zulte Waregem have struggled, conceding an average of two goals per game in their last five matches. The defensive line, featuring Benoit De Jaegere and Jakob Kiilerich Rask, will need to be more cohesive to prevent further losses.

Offensively, Zulte Waregem rely heavily on Jeppe Erenbjerg, their top scorer with nine goals. Their strategy likely involves quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents, though this approach can leave them exposed at the back, contributing to their lack of clean sheets.

Gent vs Zulte Waregem H2H Record

Gent and Zulte Waregem have faced off 49 times, with Gent winning 21 matches, Zulte Waregem 17, and 11 ending in draws. The last meeting saw Zulte Waregem thrash Gent 4-1 in the Belgian Pro League, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The last time Gent hosted Zulte Waregem in a league match, they secured a 2-0 victory back in September 2022. Gent’s home form against Zulte Waregem has been solid, often finding the back of the net with ease.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Zulte Waregem	Gent	4 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-10-19
Gent	Zulte Waregem	0 – 2	Friendly Match	2024-07-20
Gent	Zulte Waregem	4 – 2	Friendly Match	2023-07-19
Zulte Waregem	Gent	2 – 6	Belgian Pro League	2023-03-12
Gent	Zulte Waregem	2 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2022-09-11