St. Truiden vs KV Mechelen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 21 December

St. Truiden host KV Mechelen in a highly anticipated Belgian First Division A clash this Sunday, 21 December. The match takes place at the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. This fixture is crucial for both sides as they look to climb the league table and secure a stronger position ahead of the winter break. Our ‘St. Truiden vs KV Mechelen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ delivers insights into the likely outcomes of this encounter.

St. Truiden will look to capitalise on their home advantage at the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium, while KV Mechelen aim to upset the hosts with a robust away performance. Both teams have displayed flashes of quality this season, making this a must-watch for fans and punters alike. With the league table tightly contested, every point is vital, and this match could play a significant role in shaping both teams’ campaigns in the First Division A.

St. Truiden vs KV Mechelen Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Fewer than 3.5 goals	1.49

For this fixture, our recommended bet is under 3.5 goals. Both teams have demonstrated solid defensive organisation throughout the season. St. Truiden concede an average of 1.3 goals per match, while KV Mechelen allow just 1.1 on average. Given these numbers, it is likely the total goals will remain under 3.5.

• St. Truiden and KV Mechelen both possess strong defences, with average goals conceded per match on the lower end.
• St. Truiden have scored in their last six matches, but the overall defensive strength of both sides points towards a low-scoring contest.
• Both teams employ a high-pressing style, limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Betting Odds

St. Truiden enter this fixture at the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium as favourites, with odds suggesting a win at 1.68. However, KV Mechelen, priced at 4.57, could tempt those seeking an underdog upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
St. Truiden to win	1.68
Draw	3.88
KV Mechelen to win	4.57

The draw is also an intriguing option at 3.88, especially given the competitive nature of the First Division A. For punters, both teams finding the net is a possibility, considering their attacking capabilities.

St. Truiden Analysis & Past Performance

St. Truiden have shown impressive form in recent fixtures, securing four wins from their last five league matches. This run includes a notable 3-2 victory over Club Brugge and hard-fought 2-1 wins against both Gent and OH Leuven. Their only recent defeat was a narrow 2-1 loss to Anderlecht.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	St.Truiden	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
St.Truiden	Club Brugge	3 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Royal Antwerp	St.Truiden	N/A	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Gent	St.Truiden	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025
OH Leuven	St.Truiden	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	23 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, St. Truiden have been sharp, averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches, with Keisuke Goto leading the line and netting six goals this season. Despite their attacking threat, the team have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game in the same period. With just one clean sheet, defensive solidity remains an area requiring improvement.

Home Advantage:
At the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium, St. Truiden have been strong, boasting a 60% win rate in their last five home matches. They have won three, drawn one, and lost one, underlining their resilient home form.

This season, St. Truiden sit comfortably in fourth place in the league with 33 points. Their consistent scoring and strong home record make them formidable opponents in the First Division A, though defensive lapses could be a vulnerability.

• LWLWW

St. Truiden Suspensions & Injuries

St. Truiden must contend with the absence of Loïc Lapoussin, who is doubtful due to a calf injury. Lapoussin’s versatility and creativity in midfield are sorely missed, and his absence could hinder St. Truiden’s ability to control play and transition effectively against KV Mechelen.

Additionally, Taiga Hata remains sidelined with a knee injury until early January 2026. Hata’s defensive intelligence and positioning would have been invaluable in strengthening the backline, especially against a side with attacking quality. The absence of these two players will likely force tactical adjustments, with manager Wouter Vrancken needing to rely on younger or less experienced squad members.

The impact of these injuries on St. Truiden’s tactics cannot be overstated. Without Lapoussin, the midfield may lack its usual creativity and dynamism, potentially prompting a more conservative formation prioritising defensive solidity. This tactical tweak could influence the betting markets, as the home side may adopt a more cautious approach.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Loïc Lapoussin	Calf Strain	Doubtful
Taiga Hata	Knee Injury	Early January 2026

St. Truiden Key Players

St. Truiden will rely heavily on their top scorer, Keisuke Goto, who has already found the net six times this season. Goto’s sharp finishing and ability to exploit space make him a constant threat. His presence up front is crucial, enabling St. Truiden to press high and capitalise on any defensive lapses by KV Mechelen.

In midfield, the dynamic partnership of Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako will be pivotal. Yamamoto’s vision and passing provide the creative spark, while Sissako’s defensive work ensures stability. Together, they allow St. Truiden to control the game and transition smoothly from defence to attack. In defence, Shogo Taniguchi’s leadership and experience will be vital in organising the backline to withstand Mechelen’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for St. Truiden:

• Goalkeeper: Leo Kokubo
• Defenders: Rein Van Helden, Shogo Taniguchi, Visar Musliu, Simen Juklerod
• Midfielders: Rihito Yamamoto, Abdoulaye Sissako, Ryotaro Ito
• Forwards: Arbnor Muja, Ilias Sebaoui, Keisuke Goto

St. Truiden Tactics and Formation

St. Truiden Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Keisuke Goto
• Midfield Pivot: Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako
• Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and pressing

St. Truiden are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a solid midfield presence while supporting their attack. With Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako anchoring the midfield, they aim to control possession and enable quick transitions.

In attack, Keisuke Goto leads the line, having scored six goals this season, making him a key target. The creativity of Arbnor Muja and Ryotaro Ito on the flanks adds dynamism, providing width and crossing opportunities to stretch the opposition.

Defensively, St. Truiden have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five games. The backline, featuring Shogo Taniguchi and Visar Musliu, must tighten up, especially against a side like KV Mechelen, to reduce their vulnerability to counter-attacks.

KV Mechelen Analysis & Past Performance

KV Mechelen have shown impressive resilience in recent weeks, securing three wins from their last five matches. Their latest outing saw them edge Cercle Brugge 3-2, highlighting their attacking potency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cercle Brugge	KV Mechelen	2 – 3 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	13 Dec 2025
KV Mechelen	Sporting Charleroi	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	7 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	KV Mechelen	2 – 0 (Loss)	Cup	4 Dec 2025
KV Mechelen	Standard Liège	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	28 Nov 2025
Genk	KV Mechelen	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	23 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLLW

KV Mechelen’s attack has been steady, averaging 1.00 goal per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have kept two clean sheets, conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. Their away form has been particularly strong, with a 60% win rate in their last five away fixtures, underlining their effectiveness on the road. Despite a couple of defeats, their ability to rebound with wins demonstrates their competitive spirit and tactical adaptability.

KV Mechelen Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of Bill Antonio, suspended due to international duty, significantly affects KV Mechelen’s tactical options. With two matches remaining on his ban, the team will need to adjust their attacking approach, likely relying more on Lion Lauberbach and Myron van Brederode to compensate for Antonio’s creative spark.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Bill Antonio	International duty	2	Unknown

KV Mechelen also face a challenging injury list, with several key players unavailable. Keano Vanrafelghem, Maksim Kireev, and Ryan Teague are all doubtful, while Ortwin De Wolf is out until late February 2026 following knee surgery. Amine Ouahabi is expected back in early January 2026, providing hope for midfield reinforcement, while Jose Marsa remains sidelined until late December 2025 with a muscle injury.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Keano Vanrafelghem	Abdominal injury	Doubtful
Maksim Kireev	Abdominal injury	Doubtful
Ortwin De Wolf	Knee surgery	Late February 2026
Ryan Teague	Knock	Doubtful
Amine Ouahabi	Ligament injury	Early January 2026
Redouane Halhal	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Jose Marsa	Muscle injury	Late December 2025
Benito Raman	Tendon injury	Late January 2026

This lengthy injury list forces KV Mechelen to depend heavily on their squad depth. Players such as Fredrik Hammar and Tommy St. Jago may need to take on greater responsibility, especially in midfield and defence. This situation could impact their overall strength, making tactical flexibility and strategic substitutions crucial to remain competitive against St. Truiden. The betting markets may view these absences as a disadvantage, potentially influencing the odds against KV Mechelen.

KV Mechelen Key Players

KV Mechelen’s attacking threat will be led by their top scorer, Lion Lauberbach, who has scored six goals this season. Lauberbach’s consistent finishing makes him a vital asset up front, and his partnership with Myron van Brederode is likely to pose problems for any defence. Lauberbach’s agility and goal-scoring instincts are central to KV Mechelen’s attacking approach against St. Truiden.

In midfield, Kerim Mrabti’s creativity and vision will be crucial. Mrabti’s ability to orchestrate play and link up with the forwards could be key to unlocking St. Truiden’s defence. Meanwhile, Fredrik Hammar’s role as midfield general will be essential in dictating the tempo and disrupting the opposition’s play.

Expected lineup for KV Mechelen:

• Goalkeeper: Nacho Miras
• Defenders: Tommy St. Jago, Lovro Golic, Ian Struyf
• Midfielders: Therence Koudou, Bilal Bafdili, Fredrik Hammar, Mathis Servais, Kerim Mrabti
• Forwards: Lion Lauberbach, Myron van Brederode

KV Mechelen Tactics and Formation

KV Mechelen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Lion Lauberbach
• Midfield Core: Dikeni Salifou, Kerim Mrabti, Fredrik Hammar
• Defensive Structure: Vulnerable, with only two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and midfield control.

KV Mechelen’s 3-5-2 formation allows them to pack the midfield, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Dikeni Salifou, Kerim Mrabti, and Fredrik Hammar form the midfield core, tasked with breaking up play and initiating attacks. This setup aims to control possession and dictate the game’s tempo.

Defensively, the back three of Tommy St. Jago, Mory Konate, and Ian Struyf will be crucial. However, recent performances indicate some vulnerability, with only two clean sheets in their last five matches—an area of concern against strong attacking teams.

Offensively, KV Mechelen rely on the striking prowess of Lion Lauberbach, their top scorer, who benefits from wide support and midfield creativity. The wing-backs play a significant role in stretching play and delivering crosses, a strategy that has served them well in recent outings.

St. Truiden vs KV Mechelen H2H Record

St. Truiden hold the advantage in the head-to-head record against KV Mechelen, with 22 wins to Mechelen’s 12, and eight draws between the sides. The most recent meeting saw St. Truiden claim a 3-1 away victory in October 2025, underlining their current dominance.

In their last encounter at the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium, St. Truiden edged a 2-1 win in November 2024. This fixture has frequently favoured the home side, with St. Truiden regularly finding the net.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
KV Mechelen	St. Truiden	1 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2025-10-04
KV Mechelen	St. Truiden	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-02-21
St. Truiden	KV Mechelen	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-11-08
St. Truiden	KV Mechelen	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff ECL Group	2024-05-12
KV Mechelen	St. Truiden	2 – 3	Belgian Pro League Playoff ECL Group	2024-04-05