RAAL La Louvière vs OH Leuven Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 27 December

RAAL La Louvière will face OH Leuven in a compelling clash in the First Division A at the Easi Arena on Saturday, 27 December. This fixture is significant as both teams are eager to make an impact in the league standings. RAAL La Louvière, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Easi Arena to secure a positive result against OH Leuven.

OH Leuven, meanwhile, will be keen to seize any opportunity to collect points on the road. With both teams looking to improve their positions in the First Division A, this encounter promises to be highly competitive. The outcome could have implications for both sides as they strive to climb the league table.

RAAL La Louvière vs OH Leuven Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.7

Given the attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score. Both sides have consistently found the net while struggling to keep clean sheets.

• RAAL La Louvière have a strong home scoring record but have struggled to keep clean sheets, making it likely they will both score and concede.
• OH Leuven’s average of conceding 1.6 goals per game and the absence of key defensive players increase the chances of them allowing goals, while their own attacking threats remain potent.
• Historical head-to-head data and the closely matched nature of the teams suggest an open game with goals at both ends, reinforcing the Both Teams to Score bet.

Betting Odds

With RAAL La Louvière playing at home, they are slight favourites in this matchup, but OH Leuven’s odds suggest a closely contested affair. The draw is also attractively priced, indicating that bookmakers expect a tight game.

Betting Tip	Odds
RAAL La Louvière to win	2.49
Draw	3
OH Leuven to win	2.95

For those interested in goal markets, both teams have shown attacking prowess, making the over 2.5 goals market worth considering. Keep an eye on Both Teams to Score as well, given their recent form.

RAAL La Louvière Analysis & Past Performance

RAAL La Louvière’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one victory in their last five matches across all competitions. They managed a narrow 2-1 win against Beerschot in the Cup, but their league performances have been less impressive, including a recent 1-2 defeat at Westerlo.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Westerlo	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	20 Dec, 2025
Zulte Waregem	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	13 Dec, 2025
RAAL La Louvière	FCV Dender EH	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	5 Dec, 2025
Beerschot	RAAL La Louvière	1 – 2 (Win)	Cup	2 Dec, 2025
Sporting Charleroi	RAAL La Louvière	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	29 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:
The team has struggled offensively, averaging 1.20 goals scored per game in their last five outings, while conceding an average of 1.40 goals. Despite scoring in 80% of these matches, their inability to maintain clean sheets—just one in five—highlights a defensive vulnerability.

Team Dynamics:

• LDLWD

RAAL La Louvière’s home form mirrors their overall struggles, with just one win in their last five home games, translating to a 20% win ratio. Their defensive issues at home are underscored by an average of 1.40 goals conceded per game, which they must address to improve their standing from the current 14th position in the league.

RAAL La Louvière Suspensions & Injuries

RAAL La Louvière will face OH Leuven with a few injury concerns that could potentially affect their tactical setup. Mouhamed Belkheir’s knee injury leaves him doubtful for the match, which could impact the forward line’s depth and flexibility. His ability to create scoring opportunities and hold up play in the attacking third will be missed. Additionally, the absence of Wagane Faye and Jordi Liongola, both expected to return in a few days, might limit options in the midfield and defensive areas respectively.

The injury to Jordi Liongola, who is suffering from a muscle injury, poses a challenge to RAAL La Louvière’s defensive solidity. Without him, the backline may lack some physical presence and versatility. Wagane Faye’s unspecified injury further complicates the midfield dynamics, potentially forcing coach Frédéric Taquin to consider alternative formations or rely on less experienced players to fill the gaps.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mouhamed Belkheir	Knee injury	Doubtful
Wagane Faye	Unknown	A few days
Jordi Liongola	Muscle injury	A few days

In terms of tactical adjustments, RAAL La Louvière may need to adopt a more conservative or compact approach, given the absence of key personnel. This could involve a shift in formation or a more defensive strategy to mitigate the impact of these injuries. The unavailability of these players might also influence the betting markets, with potential expectations of a lower-scoring affair due to the reduced attacking options and defensive concerns.

RAAL La Louvière Key Players

RAAL La Louvière’s attack is led by their top scorer, Pape Moussa Fall, who has already scored three goals this season. His presence in the forward line, alongside Jerry Afriyie, provides a potent mix of pace and physicality that can unsettle OH Leuven’s defence. Fall’s ability to find space and finish decisively makes him a constant threat and a key player to watch in this fixture.

In midfield, Sami Lahssaini and Dario Benavides are pivotal for controlling the tempo and transitioning play from defence to attack. Lahssaini’s vision and Benavides’ energy offer a balanced midfield dynamic, crucial for breaking down the opposition’s setup. Defensively, Maxence Maisonneuve and Yllan Okou are integral to maintaining a solid backline, with their tackling and positioning vital for thwarting OH Leuven’s forward advances.

Expected lineup for RAAL La Louvière:

• Goalkeeper: Marcos Peano
• Defence: Maxence Maisonneuve, Yllan Okou, Djibril Lamego
• Midfield: Sami Lahssaini, Dario Benavides, Owen Maës, Samuel Gueulette, Thierry Lutonda
• Forward: Pape Moussa Fall, Jerry Afriyie

The tactical impact of these players cannot be overstated. Fall’s prowess up front is complemented by creativity and work rate in midfield, while the defensive resilience provided by Maisonneuve and Okou forms the backbone of their strategy. RAAL La Louvière’s strengths lie in their ability to transition quickly and exploit defensive gaps, making the interplay between these key players crucial for their success in this fixture.

RAAL La Louvière Tactics and Formation

RAAL La Louvière Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely to use a 3-5-2 given recent trends
• Key Forward: Pape Moussa Fall, with three goals this season
• Midfield Pivot: Samuel Gueulette and Sami Lahssaini
• Defensive Strength: Struggled to maintain clean sheets, only one in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Relies on midfield dominance and wing play.

RAAL La Louvière’s recent performances suggest a preference for a 3-5-2 formation, providing flexibility in both attack and defence. The midfield, anchored by Samuel Gueulette and Sami Lahssaini, is crucial for controlling the game’s tempo and transitioning the ball from defence to attack.

Defensively, the back three, including Maxence Maisonneuve and Yllan Okou, must remain vigilant to prevent conceding goals, as the team has struggled to keep clean sheets, achieving only one in their last five outings.

Offensively, the team leans heavily on Pape Moussa Fall, who has been their most effective forward. The wide play from wing-backs like Thierry Lutonda is pivotal in stretching the opposition and creating space for the forwards.

OH Leuven Analysis & Past Performance

OH Leuven have experienced a difficult run in recent matches, managing only one win in their last five games. Their recent form includes a 0-2 loss to Cercle Brugge, a crucial 1-0 win over Standard Liège, and a 1-1 draw against Zulte Waregem.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	Cercle Brugge	0 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Standard Liège	OH Leuven	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler League	12 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Club Brugge	1 – 2 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Genk	OH Leuven	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDLL

OH Leuven’s attack has struggled, averaging 0.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures. However, they have shown resilience, scoring in four out of these five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per game, with only one clean sheet during this period. This defensive frailty has been a significant factor in their recent struggles.

OH Leuven Suspensions & Injuries

OH Leuven face a challenging situation with several key players potentially missing the upcoming match due to injuries. Bryang Kayo is dealing with a knock and his status remains doubtful. Similarly, Siebe Schrijvers, a vital component in midfield, is struggling with an ankle injury, which could leave a significant gap in the team’s creative play. Furthermore, Thibault Vlietinck, who frequently contributes to the team’s width and pace, is also doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bryang Kayo	Knock	Doubtful
Siebe Schrijvers	Ankle	Doubtful
Thibault Vlietinck	Hamstring	Doubtful
Takahiro Akimoto	Unknown	Doubtful

The absence of these players necessitates tactical adjustments from coach Felice Mazzu. Without Schrijvers, OH Leuven might need to rely more on Youssef Maziz to orchestrate the midfield, while the potential absence of Vlietinck could see Henok Teklab or Óscar Gil stepping up to provide the necessary width. The situation also opens opportunities for players like Lukasz Lakomy to solidify their roles in the starting lineup.

Takahiro Akimoto’s unknown injury status adds another layer of complexity, and his potential unavailability might force OH Leuven to adapt their defensive or midfield strategies further. These injuries could impact OH Leuven’s performance against RAAL La Louvière, affecting both their tactical approach and the betting markets, where punters might see value in considering the impact of these absences on the match outcome.

OH Leuven Key Players

Sory Kaba stands out as the top scorer for OH Leuven, having netted four goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against RAAL La Louvière. Kaba’s physical presence and aerial prowess make him a constant threat in the attacking third, capable of turning half-chances into goals. Teaming up with Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi in the forward line, Kaba’s partnership is expected to spearhead the offensive effort.

In midfield, Birger Verstraete and Youssef Maziz are pivotal for OH Leuven’s tactical setup. Verstraete’s defensive contributions, including interceptions and tackles, provide the necessary stability, while Maziz’s vision and passing range enable quick transitions from defence to attack. Defensively, Noë Dussenne leads the backline with his experience and ability to organise the defence, making him indispensable in neutralising the opposition’s attacks.

Expected lineup for OH Leuven:

• Goalkeeper: Tobe Leysen
• Defence: Noë Dussenne, Ewoud Pletinckx, Roggerio Nyakossi
• Midfield: Óscar Gil, Lukasz Lakomy, Birger Verstraete, Youssef Maziz, Henok Teklab
• Forward: Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Sory Kaba

These players are integral to OH Leuven’s strategy, with Kaba’s goal-scoring knack, Verstraete’s midfield control, and Dussenne’s defensive leadership forming the backbone of their tactical approach. Their strengths lie in their ability to execute the team’s game plan effectively, which will be vital in securing a positive result.

OH Leuven Tactics and Formation

OH Leuven Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Sory Kaba
• Midfield Pivot: Birger Verstraete and Óscar Gil
• Defensive Strength: Recently struggled, conceding seven goals in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High possession with frequent shot attempts.

In recent matches, OH Leuven have favoured a 3-5-2 formation, allowing them to flood the midfield and control possession. This setup is anchored by Birger Verstraete and Óscar Gil, who are crucial in transitioning play and maintaining defensive stability. The wing-backs, Henok Teklab and Youssef Maziz, offer width and support both offensively and defensively.

Defensively, the trio of Ewoud Pletinckx, Noë Dussenne, and Roggerio Nyakossi forms the backbone. Despite this structure, OH Leuven have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches, indicating a need for greater cohesion and focus to achieve clean sheets.

Offensively, Sory Kaba, the team’s top scorer, is pivotal in breaking down opposition defences. OH Leuven’s strategy often revolves around maintaining high possession and creating numerous shooting opportunities, as evidenced by their 18 shots in their recent match against Cercle Brugge, despite failing to score.

RAAL La Louvière vs OH Leuven Head-to-Head Record

In their only head-to-head meeting so far, RAAL La Louvière came out on top with a 2-1 victory against OH Leuven. This match took place in the Belgian Pro League back in September 2025, with La Louvière showing strong form away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	RAAL La Louvière	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-20

This upcoming clash at the Easi Arena marks the first time RAAL La Louvière will host OH Leuven in the First Division A. With their previous win, La Louvière will be looking to maintain their perfect record against Leuven, who will be eager to level the score.