Zulte Waregem vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 13 December

Zulte Waregem vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction, Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing clash in the Belgian First Division A. Scheduled for Saturday, 13 December, this match will take place at the Elindus Arena, providing a home advantage for Zulte Waregem. Both teams are looking to make their mark in the league, with Zulte Waregem aiming to capitalise on their home turf to secure valuable points.

RAAL La Louvière, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge their hosts and climb the league standings. The dynamics of this matchup are significant as both sides seek to establish their presence in Belgium’s top flight. With the Elindus Arena as the backdrop, fans can expect a competitive encounter as these teams vie for supremacy in the First Division A.

Zulte Waregem vs RAAL La Louvière Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Fewer than 2.5 Goals	1.8

Considering current form and historical data, our top betting tip for this match is to back under 2.5 total goals. Both teams have shown a tendency for low-scoring games, and with key attacking players missing, this trend is likely to continue.

• Zulte Waregem have averaged fewer than 1.5 goals per game at home this season.
• RAAL La Louvière’s lack of attacking threat is further weakened by the absence of their first-choice striker.
• Two of their last three head-to-head meetings have ended goalless, reinforcing the low-scoring trend.

Betting Odds

Zulte Waregem enter this match as favourites with odds of 2.25, but RAAL La Louvière’s odds at 3.15 suggest they could spring a surprise. The draw is priced at 3.24, indicating a closely contested affair.

Betting Tip	Odds
Zulte Waregem to win	2.25
Draw	3.24
RAAL La Louvière to win	3.15

For those looking to place a bet, both teams have shown potential in recent fixtures, making the over 2.5 goals market an intriguing option. Keep an eye on the attacking prowess of both sides as they clash at Elindus Arena.

Zulte Waregem Analysis & Past Performance

Zulte Waregem have experienced a challenging stretch, currently on a five-match winless run, comprising four draws and one defeat. Their recent 1-1 draw against OH Leuven exemplifies their struggle to convert draws into victories, despite maintaining a reasonable possession rate of 54%. In the last five games, Zulte Waregem have scored 5 goals while conceding 6, averaging 1.00 goals scored and 1.20 goals conceded per match.

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

Recent Form:
Despite their struggles, Zulte Waregem’s attack has shown consistency, finding the net in four of their last five outings. However, defensive frailties are evident, with only one clean sheet secured in this period. At home, they have fared better, with a win ratio of 60% over the last five home games, indicating a stronger performance in familiar surroundings. Their tactical approach has seen both teams score in 80% of their recent matches, reflecting an open style of play.

The team’s current standing in the league is 9th, with 22 points, highlighting their mid-table position. Jeppe Erenbjerg remains a crucial figure in attack, being the team’s top scorer with 7 goals, further emphasising the need for defensive improvements to complement their attacking efforts.

• DLDDD

Zulte Waregem Suspensions & Injuries

Zulte Waregem will face RAAL La Louvière without the services of Lukas Willen, who is struggling with an ankle injury. His potential absence could weaken their defensive setup, as Willen’s versatility at the back is often crucial in providing stability and depth. His status remains doubtful, which might force coach Sven Vandenbroeck to shuffle his defensive lineup.

In the absence of Lukas Willen, the responsibility will likely fall on players like Benoît Nyssen and Anton Tanghe to step up and fill the void. Nyssen, in particular, has shown promise in recent matches and could be pivotal in maintaining a solid backline against RAAL La Louvière’s attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lukas Willen	Ankle injury	Doubtful

Zulte Waregem’s tactical approach might need to be adjusted to compensate for Willen’s absence. We might see a more conservative defensive strategy or a shift in formation to ensure that the defence remains uncompromised. This could also influence betting markets, as any defensive frailty might affect the odds in favour of RAAL La Louvière.

With no suspensions to report, Zulte Waregem can focus on optimising their available squad. The full availability of midfield and attacking options should allow them to maintain their offensive strategies without disruption.

Zulte Waregem Key Players

Zulte Waregem’s attack is spearheaded by their top scorer Jeppe Erenbjerg, who has impressively netted 7 goals this season. Erenbjerg’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Anosike Ementa up front is expected to be crucial, as Ementa’s physical presence and hold-up play complement Erenbjerg’s poaching instincts. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of unlocking defences.

In midfield, Emran Soglo and Tochukwu Nnadi are pivotal figures. Soglo’s vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo, while Nnadi’s energy and tackling provide the necessary defensive cover. Marley Aké, operating on the wing, adds flair and creativity, often cutting inside to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, Anton Tanghe and Laurent Lemoine form a solid central partnership, essential for maintaining defensive stability.

Expected line-up for Zulte Waregem:

• Goalkeeper: Brent Gabriel
• Defenders: Benoît Nyssen, Anton Tanghe, Laurent Lemoine, Yannick Cappelle
• Midfielders: Emran Soglo, Tochukwu Nnadi, Thomas Claes, Marley Aké
• Forwards: Jeppe Erenbjerg, Anosike Ementa

Zulte Waregem Tactics and Formation

Zulte Waregem Tactical Breakdown:

• Recent Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Midfield Engine: Tochukwu Nnadi and Thomas Claes
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded in four of the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing.

Zulte Waregem’s recent 4-4-2 formation provides a traditional balance between attack and defence. With Emran Soglo and Marley Aké operating on the wings, the team focuses on width to stretch opposition defences and create crossing opportunities for forwards Jeppe Erenbjerg and Anosike Ementa.

Defensively, the back four of Benoît Nyssen, Anton Tanghe, Laurent Lemoine, and Yannick Cappelle has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in four of their last five matches. This highlights a vulnerability in their defensive setup, particularly against teams with strong attacking threats.

Offensively, Zulte Waregem rely on the creativity and work rate of Tochukwu Nnadi and Thomas Claes in midfield to link defence and attack. Their ability to transition quickly and utilise wide areas is crucial, though their success has been inconsistent, as indicated by their recent run of draws.

RAAL La Louvière Analysis & Past Performance

RAAL La Louvière have experienced a challenging run in recent matches, reflected in their recent form with a single win, one draw, and three losses in their last five games. Their most recent encounter ended in a narrow 1-2 home defeat against FCV Dender EH, further highlighting their vulnerability in defence.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
RAAL La Louvière	FCV Dender EH	1 – 2 (Loss)	Jupiler League	5 Dec 2025
Beerschot	RAAL La Louvière	1 – 2 (Win)	Cup	2 Dec 2025
Sporting Charleroi	RAAL La Louvière	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	29 Nov 2025
RAAL La Louvière	Anderlecht	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	23 Nov 2025
Royal Antwerp	RAAL La Louvière	3 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	8 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
RAAL La Louvière’s offensive output has been modest, averaging 0.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures, while they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match. This defensive frailty has resulted in just one clean sheet during this period. Even though they have shown some resilience with three games where both teams scored, their inability to consistently secure wins is evident from their 20% win ratio.

Despite the mixed results, RAAL La Louvière have shown slightly better performance away from home, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five away matches, yielding a 40% win ratio on the road. However, their overall standing at 13th in the league suggests they need to tighten their defensive unit and improve their goal-scoring capabilities to climb the table.

• LWDLL

RAAL La Louvière Suspensions & Injuries

RAAL La Louvière face a challenging situation with the potential absence of Mouhamed Belkheir due to a knee injury, leaving him doubtful for the upcoming clash against Zulte Waregem. Belkheir’s unavailability could significantly impact their attacking prowess, as his role in the forward line is crucial for creating scoring opportunities. Without him, RAAL La Louvière might struggle to maintain their offensive momentum.

The tactical impact of Belkheir’s injury cannot be understated, as it forces coach Frédéric Taquin to consider alternative attacking options. Jerry Afriyie and Pape Moussa Fall, both part of the previous lineup, might need to step up and share the burden of leading the attack. Taquin could also opt for a more conservative formation to bolster the midfield and compensate for the missing firepower up front.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mouhamed Belkheir	Knee injury	Doubtful

With a full squad otherwise available, RAAL La Louvière’s overall depth remains relatively intact. However, Belkheir’s absence might still influence betting markets, as his presence often tips the scales in tight matches. The team will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness and secure a favourable result at the Elindus Arena.

RAAL La Louvière Key Players

RAAL La Louvière’s attacking prospects heavily rely on their top scorer Jerry Afriyie, who has netted 2 goals this season. Afriyie’s dynamic presence and ability to find space in the attacking third make him a significant threat. His partnership with forward Pape Moussa Fall is pivotal as they aim to penetrate Zulte Waregem’s defence. Afriyie’s knack for positioning and finishing could be crucial in breaking down the opposition.

In midfield, Joël Ito and Sami Lahssaini are instrumental in dictating play. Ito’s vision and passing range allow for quick transitions, while Lahssaini’s tenacity in midfield battles provides the team with a defensive shield. Defensively, the combination of Maxence Maisonneuve and Yllan Okou will be crucial in maintaining a solid backline. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions could thwart Zulte Waregem’s attacking advances.

Expected line-up for RAAL La Louvière:

• Goalkeeper: Marcos Peano
• Defence: Jordi Liongola, Maxence Maisonneuve, Yllan Okou, Djibril Lamego, Nolan Gillot
• Midfield: Owen Maës, Joël Ito, Sami Lahssaini
• Forward: Jerry Afriyie, Pape Moussa Fall

RAAL La Louvière Tactics and Formation

RAAL La Louvière Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Jerry Afriyie
• Midfield Core: Owen Maës and Sami Lahssaini
• Defensive Record: Conceded in four of the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on counter-attacks and exploiting set-pieces.

RAAL La Louvière typically employ a 4-4-2 formation, which provides a balanced approach to both offence and defence. The midfield pairing of Owen Maës and Sami Lahssaini is pivotal, offering both defensive coverage and the ability to initiate attacks.

In recent matches, Jerry Afriyie has been crucial for RAAL La Louvière, leading the line as the main attacking threat. His ability to stretch defences and create opportunities is vital, particularly in counter-attacking scenarios.

Defensively, RAAL La Louvière have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in four out of their last five matches. However, their strategy often involves remaining compact and disciplined at the back while looking to exploit set-pieces and transitions to catch opponents off guard.

Zulte Waregem vs RAAL La Louvière H2H Record

Zulte Waregem and RAAL La Louvière have faced off three times, with Zulte Waregem winning once and the other two matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter was a goalless draw in October 2025, played at La Louvière’s home ground in the Belgian Pro League.

The last time these two met at the Elindus Arena, Zulte Waregem came out on top with a 2-1 victory back in November 2024 during the Challenger Pro League. This suggests a slight edge for Zulte Waregem when playing at home, although the overall H2H record remains closely contested.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
RAAL La Louvière	Zulte Waregem	0 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-10-04
RAAL La Louvière	Zulte Waregem	0 – 0	Challenger Pro League	2025-02-02
Zulte Waregem	RAAL La Louvière	2 – 1	Challenger Pro League	2024-11-10