Sporting Charleroi vs OH Leuven Prediction, Match Preview, Tuesday, May 19th
Sporting Charleroi will face OH Leuven in a crucial First Division A clash at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi on Tuesday, May 19th. This matchup is significant as both teams are vying for a stronger position in the league standings. Sporting Charleroi, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure a vital win.
OH Leuven, on the other hand, will aim to upset the hosts and gain valuable points on the road. The Stade du Pays de Charleroi will set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing encounter between these Belgian sides. As the season progresses, every point becomes crucial, making this a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.
Sporting Charleroi vs OH Leuven Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sporting Charleroi to Win | 1.74 |
Given the current form and defensive struggles of OH Leuven, our recommended betting tip is to back Sporting Charleroi to win. Sporting Charleroi’s recent victories over tough opponents and their solid home performance make them the favourites.
- Sporting Charleroi have won back-to-back games against strong teams, showing excellent form and confidence.
- OH Leuven have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
- Sporting Charleroi have scored in 79% of their home matches this season, showcasing their attacking prowess, especially at home.
Betting Odds
Sporting Charleroi are stepping onto their home turf as the favourites with betting odds of 1.74, reflecting their strong form at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi. However, OH Leuven, priced at 4.32, should not be underestimated, especially given their potential to upset the odds.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sporting Charleroi to Win | 1.74 |
| Draw | 3.74 |
| OH Leuven to Win | 4.32 |
The draw is pegged at 3.74, offering a tempting option for those expecting a closely contested affair. Punters might also look into the over 2.5 goals market, considering both teams’ recent attacking displays.
Sporting Charleroi Analysis & Past Performance
Sporting Charleroi’s recent form has been relatively strong, with the team securing three wins in their last five encounters. This run includes impressive victories, such as the 2-0 triumph over Genk and a 2-0 win against OH Leuven, highlighting their ability to perform well against formidable opponents.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Charleroi | Westerlo | 0 – 1 (Loss) | Playoff ECL Group A | 16 May 2026 |
| Royal Antwerp | Sporting Charleroi | 0 – 1 (Win) | Playoff ECL Group A | 10 May 2026 |
| Sporting Charleroi | Genk | 2 – 0 (Win) | Playoff ECL Group A | 2 May 2026 |
| OH Leuven | Sporting Charleroi | 0 – 2 (Win) | Playoff ECL Group A | 25 Apr 2026 |
| Genk | Sporting Charleroi | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Playoff ECL Group A | 21 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
Sporting Charleroi have averaged 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches while maintaining a solid defensive record, conceding just 0.40 goals on average per match. Notably, they have kept three clean sheets during this period, underscoring their defensive resilience. However, their recent home form has been less consistent, with only two wins out of five home games, indicating a potential area for improvement.
Team Dynamics:
- LWWWD
Antoine Bernier stands out as the top scorer with three goals this season, suggesting a need for more players to step up in attack. Despite a mid-bottom league rating, Sporting Charleroi’s ability to grind out results and maintain defensive solidity makes them a competitive side. Their win ratio of 60% in the last five games reflects a team capable of challenging for higher positions in the league standings.
Sporting Charleroi Suspensions & Injuries
Sporting Charleroi face a slight concern with the injury of Massamba Sow, who is currently doubtful. His absence may not heavily disrupt the team given his position outside the starting lineup in recent matches, but it does limit the depth options for coach Mario Kohnen.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Massamba Sow | unknown | Doubtful |
Without significant suspensions impacting the squad, Sporting Charleroi will likely maintain their usual tactical setup. However, the absence of Sow might require a slight shift in the bench dynamics, ensuring that other midfielders are ready to step in if needed. This could see younger players given an opportunity to prove themselves in a competitive setting.
The overall tactical impact is minimal, but the coaching team will be keen to manage substitutions effectively to avoid any unforeseen disruptions. With a near full-strength squad, Sporting Charleroi should still be well-placed to field a competitive lineup against OH Leuven.
For betting enthusiasts, the limited impact of Sow’s absence suggests that Sporting Charleroi’s odds might remain stable, with the team expected to perform at their usual level despite this minor setback.
Sporting Charleroi Key Players
Sporting Charleroi will heavily rely on their top scorer, Antoine Bernier, who has already found the back of the net three times this season. Bernier, positioned as a forward, is crucial for their attacking strategy with his ability to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities. His partnership with Kevin Van Den Kerkhof, another forward, is pivotal as they look to pierce through OH Leuven’s defence. Van Den Kerkhof’s pace and Bernier’s finishing skills make them a formidable duo up front.
In the midfield, Etienne Camara and Parfait Guiagon are the key figures. Camara’s defensive capabilities and Guiagon’s playmaking skills provide a balanced midfield that can both disrupt the opposition’s play and initiate counter-attacks. Their ability to control the tempo will be vital in dictating the match’s flow.
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed Koné
- Defence: Lewin Blum, Aiham Ousou, Cheick Keita, Mardochée Nzita Theto
- Midfield: Yacine Titraoui, Etienne Camara, Parfait Guiagon
- Forward: Kevin Van Den Kerkhof, Antoine Bernier, Aurelien Scheidler
Defensively, Aiham Ousou and Cheick Keita are expected to anchor the backline. Ousou’s aerial strength and Keita’s tackling prowess are essential in maintaining a solid defence. Their ability to read the game and intercept passes could prove crucial in neutralising OH Leuven’s attacks. Overall, these key players will shape Sporting Charleroi’s tactical approach, emphasising a balanced and dynamic gameplay.
Sporting Charleroi Tactics and Formation
Sporting Charleroi Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-5-1
- Key Forward: Aurelien Scheidler
- Midfield Pivot: Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: High possession play with strategic width on the flanks.
Sporting Charleroi typically line up in a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield and control possession. Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara are pivotal in this setup, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets. The midfield is further bolstered by the presence of Parfait Guiagon and Kevin Van Den Kerkhof, who add width and dynamism to their attacking play.
Defensively, the backline, featuring Lewin Blum and Cheick Keita, has been instrumental in maintaining three clean sheets in their last five matches. This solidity is crucial, especially considering their recent 0-1 defeat to Westerlo, where they conceded only seven shots.
Offensively, Aurelien Scheidler leads the line, supported by the creative play of Antoine Bernier, who is the team’s top scorer with three goals. Sporting Charleroi’s strategy often involves high possession play, utilising width to stretch opponents and create scoring opportunities.
OH Leuven Analysis & Past Performance
OH Leuven’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. Despite a commendable 3-0 victory over Royal Antwerp, they suffered defeats against Standard Liège (1-2) and Sporting Charleroi (0-2), and managed a draw against Westerlo (3-3). This places them in a precarious position as they seek to stabilise their performances.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OH Leuven | Royal Antwerp | 3 – 0 (Win) | Playoff ECL Group A | 15 May 2026 |
| Standard Liege | OH Leuven | 2 – 1 (Loss) | Playoff ECL Group A | 8 May 2026 |
| Westerlo | OH Leuven | 3 – 3 (Draw) | Playoff ECL Group A | 2 May 2026 |
| OH Leuven | Sporting Charleroi | 0 – 2 (Loss) | Playoff ECL Group A | 25 April 2026 |
| OH Leuven | Westerlo | 0 – 2 (Loss) | Playoff ECL Group A | 21 April 2026 |
Recent Form:
- WLDLL
In their last five games, OH Leuven have averaged 1.40 goals per match while conceding 1.80, highlighting a defensive vulnerability. They have managed to keep just one clean sheet during this period, further indicating defensive frailties. Away from home, their form is slightly better with one win, two draws, and two losses, reflecting a 20% win ratio. Their attacking efforts are spearheaded by Henok Teklab, who has contributed significantly, although the team overall needs to improve its conversion rate to climb up the standings.
OH Leuven Suspensions & Injuries
OH Leuven face a challenging scenario with two players, Noe Dussenne and Theo Radelet, marked as doubtful for the upcoming clash against Sporting Charleroi. Dussenne’s absence could potentially disrupt the defensive solidity, especially given his experience and leadership at the back. Theo Radelet’s knock injury further complicates matters, as his versatility in midfield roles is often a tactical asset for Felice Mazzu.
Without concrete replacements for Dussenne and Radelet, coach Mazzu might need to explore alternative formations or rely on squad depth. Players like Ewoud Pletinckx and Takuma Ominami, who were part of the last match’s defensive setup, might see a shift in responsibilities to cover for Dussenne’s potential absence.
Mazzu may consider a more conservative approach in midfield, possibly adjusting the roles of Siebe Schrijvers and Birger Verstraete to compensate for Radelet’s unavailability. This could see OH Leuven adopting a more robust midfield presence to counterbalance the potential gaps.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Noe Dussenne | unknown | Doubtful |
| Theo Radelet | knock | Doubtful |
OH Leuven Key Players
Henok Teklab, as OH Leuven’s top scorer with two goals, will be pivotal in their offensive strategy. His ability to break through defences from midfield positions adds a dynamic edge to Leuven’s attack. Teklab’s versatility allows him to exploit gaps, making him a constant threat to Sporting Charleroi’s backline. Alongside Teklab, Abdoul Karim Traoré is expected to lead the line up front. Known for his physical presence and ability to hold up play, Traoré can create opportunities for his teammates, especially in fast break situations.
Expected lineup for OH Leuven:
- Goalkeeper: Tobe Leysen
- Defenders: Takuma Ominami, Ewoud Pletinckx, Takahiro Akimoto
- Midfielders: Davis Opoku, Birger Verstraete, Siebe Schrijvers, Henok Teklab, Kyan Vaesen, Youssef Maziz
- Forward: Abdoul Karim Traoré
In midfield, Birger Verstraete and Youssef Maziz are instrumental in controlling the tempo and distributing the ball efficiently. Verstraete’s defensive prowess combined with Maziz’s creativity ensures a balanced midfield setup. Defensively, Takuma Ominami and Ewoud Pletinckx are key figures. Their coordination and tackling ability will be crucial in thwarting Sporting Charleroi’s attacking threats. The tactical implication of these players is profound, as they not only bring stability but also provide a platform for quick counter-attacks, which could be decisive in the outcome of the match.
OH Leuven Tactics and Formation
OH Leuven Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-6-1
- Key Forward: Kyan Vaesen
- Midfield Pivot: Birger Verstraete and Siebe Schrijvers
- Defensive Strength: Compact back three with recent clean sheet against Royal Antwerp.
- Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and quick transitions.
OH Leuven’s recent performance against Royal Antwerp showcased a 3-6-1 formation, emphasising a compact defence with a back three of Takuma Ominami, Ewoud Pletinckx, and Takahiro Akimoto. This setup provides defensive solidity and allows wing-backs like Davis Opoku and Abdoul Karim Traoré to push forward, adding width to their attacks.
In midfield, Birger Verstraete and Siebe Schrijvers form the central pivot, balancing defensive responsibilities with facilitating transitions. Youssef Maziz and Henok Teklab add creativity and dynamism, supporting lone striker Kyan Vaesen, who is pivotal in converting chances.
Offensively, OH Leuven focus on quick transitions, utilising the pace and crossing ability of their wing-backs. Defensively, their compact shape helps in maintaining resilience, as evidenced by their recent clean sheet victory. However, their formation can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks if the wing-backs are caught out of position.
Sporting Charleroi vs OH Leuven H2H Record
In their head-to-head record, OH Leuven have the upper hand with 10 wins compared to Sporting Charleroi’s 7, alongside 8 draws. The last encounter saw Sporting Charleroi triumph 2-0 away in the Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.
Interestingly, the last time Sporting Charleroi hosted OH Leuven in the Belgian Pro League, it ended in a 0-2 defeat for the home side. This suggests that Leuven have been quite effective when visiting Charleroi, a trend that bettors might want to consider.
| Home Team | Away Team | Score | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OH Leuven | Sporting Charleroi | 0 – 2 | Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group | 2026-04-25 |
| Sporting Charleroi | OH Leuven | 0 – 2 | Belgian Pro League | 2026-03-14 |
| OH Leuven | Sporting Charleroi | 2 – 2 | Belgian Pro League | 2025-07-27 |
| Sporting Charleroi | OH Leuven | 2 – 1 | Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group | 2025-05-24 |
| OH Leuven | Sporting Charleroi | 0 – 0 | Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group | 2025-03-28 |


