OH Leuven vs Zulte Waregem Prediction & Match Preview (7 December)

In the First Division A, OH Leuven will host Zulte Waregem at the King Power at Den Dreef on Sunday, 7 December. This fixture is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league table. OH Leuven, playing at home, will aim to make the most of their familiar surroundings, while Zulte Waregem will be eager to secure valuable points away from home.

The King Power at Den Dreef will provide the backdrop for what promises to be an intriguing contest between these Belgian sides. With both teams striving for improved league positions, this encounter could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. Fans can expect a competitive game as OH Leuven and Zulte Waregem battle it out on the pitch.

OH Leuven vs Zulte Waregem: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.7

Given the attacking prowess both teams have shown recently and their respective defensive vulnerabilities, our recommended betting tip is BTTS – Yes. The odds for both teams to score offer good value considering their recent form and the impact of missing key defensive players.

• OH Leuven have scored in five consecutive matches, demonstrating consistent attacking output.
• Zulte Waregem have not lost in five consecutive away matches, showing they can score on the road.
• Both teams are missing key defenders, which increases the likelihood of goals at both ends.

Betting Odds

OH Leuven are priced as favourites in this clash against Zulte Waregem, with the home side’s odds at 2.13. However, Zulte Waregem, at 3.3, could offer value for those backing an upset, especially considering their potential to surprise away from home.

Betting Tip	Odds
OH Leuven to win	2.13
Draw	3.34
Zulte Waregem to win	3.3

The draw is also an enticing option at 3.34, reflecting the competitive nature of this fixture. For those interested in goal markets, the attacking capabilities of both teams suggest that the over 2.5 goals market could be worthwhile.

OH Leuven: Analysis & Recent Performance

OH Leuven’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five games yielding two wins and three losses. The team has struggled to build momentum, as seen in recent defeats against Club Brugge (1-2) and Genk (1-2). Despite these setbacks, they have shown attacking promise, notably in their 4-0 victory over Gent earlier in November.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	Club Brugge	1 – 2 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec, 2025
Genk	OH Leuven	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	30 Nov, 2025
OH Leuven	St.Truiden	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	23 Nov, 2025
Cercle Bruges	OH Leuven	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	8 Nov, 2025
OH Leuven	Gent	4 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	2 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:

• LLLWW

Offensively, OH Leuven have averaged 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches, highlighting their ability to find the net. Defensively, however, they’ve conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match, which points to vulnerability at the back. Their win ratio stands at 40%, with just one clean sheet in this period, underscoring the need for greater defensive solidity. At home, their form remains a concern, with a win ratio of only 20% from their last five home fixtures, including three losses and one draw.

OH Leuven: Suspensions & Injuries

OH Leuven face a challenging situation with several key players potentially unavailable due to injury. Bryang Kayo and Siebe Schrijvers are both doubtful for the upcoming match against Zulte Waregem. Kayo’s presence in midfield has been instrumental, providing both defensive stability and creativity. His absence could force coach Felice Mazzù to alter his tactical setup, possibly integrating a more defensive midfielder to maintain balance.

Siebe Schrijvers, who is dealing with an ankle injury, has been a vital part of OH Leuven’s attacking strategy, often contributing crucial goals and assists. His potential absence places additional pressure on the forward line to step up and fill the creative void. The team may need to rely more heavily on their wingers to drive attacking play.

Thibault Vlietinck, expected to return in a few days, may still miss this fixture. His versatility on the flanks offers a dynamic option in both defence and attack, and his absence could limit OH Leuven’s flexibility and width.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bryang Kayo	Knock	Doubtful
Siebe Schrijvers	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Thibault Vlietinck	Unknown	A few days

These injuries could impact OH Leuven’s depth and tactical flexibility, especially against a competitive Zulte Waregem side. Betting markets might take note of these potential absences, possibly affecting odds as Leuven’s weakened squad could struggle to maintain their usual form.

OH Leuven: Key Players

Leading the line for OH Leuven is their top scorer, Sory Kaba, who has netted three goals this season. Kaba’s clinical finishing and ability to hold up play make him a vital part of Leuven’s attack. His presence up front is expected to stretch the Zulte Waregem defence, creating opportunities for his teammates.

In midfield, Birger Verstraete’s vision and passing range will be crucial in dictating the pace of the game. Alongside him, Thibaud Verlinden provides creativity and flair, often finding pockets of space to exploit. Defensive solidity is provided by Noë Dussenne, whose leadership and aerial prowess will be key in thwarting opposition attacks.

Expected lineup for OH Leuven

• Goalkeeper: Tobe Leysen
• Defence: Davis Opoku, Ewoud Pletinckx, Roggerio Nyakossi, Noë Dussenne, Henok Teklab
• Midfield: Lukasz Lakomy, Birger Verstraete, Thibaud Verlinden
• Forward: Mathieu Maertens, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi

OH Leuven’s tactical approach is likely to revolve around maintaining possession and quick transitions, with Kaba spearheading the attack. Key players like Verstraete and Dussenne ensure balance between attacking impetus and defensive resilience. Their combined strengths could be decisive in determining the outcome against Zulte Waregem.

OH Leuven: Tactics & Formation

OH Leuven Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible (4-4-2 or 4-3-3)
• Key Forward: Sory Kaba
• Midfield Anchor: Potential for dynamic central play
• Defensive Concerns: Struggled to keep clean sheets, with only one in the last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking play and exploiting opposition weaknesses.

OH Leuven, under the guidance of Felice Mazzù, often alternate between a 4-4-2 and a 4-3-3 formation, allowing flexibility to adapt to the opposition. The presence of Sory Kaba up front is pivotal, as he has been the leading scorer, and his ability to convert chances is crucial for Leuven’s attacking output.

In midfield, Leuven tend to employ a dynamic approach, aiming to control the tempo and link up effectively with the forwards. The flexibility in their setup allows them to switch from defensive solidity to attacking aggression, depending on the match situation.

Defensively, OH Leuven have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five outings. This vulnerability at the back is an area of concern, particularly when up against high-scoring teams. Their focus will be on tightening the defensive line while leveraging quick transitions to catch opponents off guard.

Zulte Waregem: Analysis & Recent Performance

Zulte Waregem’s recent form has been disappointing, with no wins in their last five matches, comprising two losses and three draws. In their most recent outing against Union Saint-Gilloise, they suffered a 2-1 defeat, highlighting persistent defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Union St.Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Zulte Waregem	Cercle Brugge	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	29 Nov 2025
Standard Liège	Zulte Waregem	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	21 Nov 2025
FCV Dender EH	Zulte Waregem	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	7 Nov 2025
Zulte Waregem	Union St.Gilloise	1 – 4 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	1 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Over their last five games, Zulte Waregem have averaged 1.00 goal scored per match while conceding 1.80 on average. Their defensive frailties are further emphasised by only one clean sheet in this span. Despite a solid attacking record with goals scored in four out of five matches, their inability to secure victories has been a concern.

Zulte Waregem’s away performance this season has been slightly more promising, with a 20% win ratio and a 0.20 clean sheets ratio. Their away form shows resilience, with only one defeat in their last five away matches, though they often settle for draws. Jeppe Erenbjerg stands out as their key attacking threat, having scored seven goals this season.

• LDDDL

Zulte Waregem: Suspensions & Injuries

Zulte Waregem are set to face OH Leuven with some concerns in their squad due to injuries. The absence of Wilguens Paugain and Lukas Willen could pose challenges in defensive solidity and midfield control. Paugain’s unknown injury status and Willen’s ankle injury have left them both doubtful for the upcoming match, potentially affecting the team’s depth and tactical flexibility.

The potential absence of these players requires tactical adjustments from coach Sven Vandenbroeck. Without Paugain, Zulte Waregem may need to rely on less experienced players to fill the defensive gaps. Similarly, Willen’s absence in midfield could force a reshuffle, possibly resulting in a more defensive approach to compensate for the weakened core.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Wilguens Paugain	Unknown	Doubtful
Lukas Willen	Ankle injury	Doubtful

While the injuries might not drastically alter Zulte Waregem’s overall game plan, the lack of depth could influence their ability to sustain pressure or adapt to dynamic match situations. These absences could also have betting implications, with Zulte Waregem potentially seen as less likely to secure a win given their reduced options and the need for tactical compromises.

Zulte Waregem: Key Players

Zulte Waregem’s attacking threat is led by Jeppe Erenbjerg, who has already scored seven times this season. Erenbjerg’s ability to exploit space and his knack for precise finishing make him a constant danger to any defence. His role as a midfielder allows him to orchestrate play while also making timely runs into the box, proving crucial in Zulte Waregem’s offensive strategy.

In addition to Erenbjerg, Joseph Opoku and Marley Aké are key components of the forward line. Opoku’s agility and Aké’s dribbling skills are instrumental in breaking down opposition defences. At the back, Laurent Lemoine’s leadership and positioning play a vital role in maintaining defensive solidity, while Brent Gabriel’s presence in goal adds an extra layer of confidence to the team’s rearguard.

• Goalkeeper: Brent Gabriel
• Defenders: Benoît Nyssen, Anton Tanghe, Laurent Lemoine, Yannick Cappelle
• Midfielders: Enrique Lofolomo, Thomas Claes, Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Forwards: Joseph Opoku, Marley Aké, Anosike Ementa

The tactical impact of these players is significant, as Erenbjerg’s midfield dynamism often dictates the tempo of the game, while Opoku and Aké’s creativity can unlock defences. Their combined strengths make Zulte Waregem a formidable opponent, capable of both controlling the game and launching quick counter-attacks when needed.

Zulte Waregem: Tactics & Formation

Zulte Waregem Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Unconfirmed
• Key Forward: Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Midfield Dynamics: Pending lineup confirmation
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High-scoring matches, but defensively vulnerable.

Zulte Waregem’s recent performances have shown a tendency for high-scoring encounters, but this has come with defensive vulnerabilities. The unconfirmed formation suggests flexibility, but they have struggled to keep clean sheets, as evidenced by conceding in four of their last five matches.

Offensively, Jeppe Erenbjerg stands out as a critical component in their attacking setup, having scored seven goals this season. His ability to find the net will be crucial against OH Leuven, especially considering Zulte Waregem’s current form, which sees them scoring in four of their last five matches.

Defensively, Zulte Waregem face challenges, having conceded an average of 1.80 goals per game recently. This defensive frailty could be exploited by OH Leuven, making it imperative for coach Sven Vandenbroeck to shore up the backline and possibly adjust tactics to address these issues.

OH Leuven vs Zulte Waregem: Head-to-Head Record

In their last 20 head-to-head encounters, OH Leuven have a slight edge with eight wins compared to Zulte Waregem’s seven, with five draws. The most recent clash saw Zulte Waregem secure a 2-0 victory at home in the Belgian Pro League. However, when these two met in the Cup last December, OH Leuven thrashed Zulte Waregem 5-0, showcasing their potential to dominate.

The last time OH Leuven hosted Zulte Waregem in the league was in March 2023, where they emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. This suggests that Leuven might have the upper hand when playing at home, especially given their recent goal-scoring form.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Zulte Waregem	OH Leuven	2 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-09-13
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	5 – 0	Cup	2024-12-04
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	4 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2023-03-04
Zulte Waregem	OH Leuven	2 – 5	Belgian Pro League	2022-10-08
Zulte Waregem	OH Leuven	1 – 1	First Division A	2022-01-26