Standard Liège vs Sint-Truiden Prediction, Match Preview, 26 December

Standard Liège vs Sint-Truiden Prediction, Match Preview, 26 December. As we look ahead to this intriguing clash in the Belgian First Division A, both teams will be eager to secure a win at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Scheduled for Friday, 26 December, this fixture promises to be a competitive encounter as Standard Liège hosts Sint-Truiden.

Standard Liège, playing on their home turf, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Stade Maurice Dufrasne to gain an upper hand. Meanwhile, Sint-Truiden will be looking to upset the hosts and climb up the league standings. With both teams eyeing valuable points, this match could have significant implications for their respective positions in the league table.

Standard Liège vs Sint-Truiden Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw in the match between Standard Liège and Sint-Truiden	3.2

Given the recent form of both teams and the historical data, our recommended betting tip is a low-scoring draw. Both sides have struggled to convert possession into goals, and with Standard Liège’s home advantage offset by their depleted squad, a draw appears the most balanced outcome.

• Sint-Truiden have a strong record of scoring first in most of their recent matches against Standard Liège, but often struggle to maintain leads.
• Standard Liège’s scoring is most prolific in the early second half, which aligns with Sint-Truiden’s tendency to concede during this period, suggesting a balanced threat.
• Both teams’ recent matches have shown limited attacking threat, with a low number of shots on target, pointing towards a low-scoring affair.

Betting Odds

Looking at the match odds for Standard Liège against Sint-Truiden, it’s clear that the bookmakers expect a closely contested affair. Standard Liège are priced at 2.8, while Sint-Truiden are slightly favoured with odds of 2.43. The draw is also in play at 3.28, indicating a tight matchup.

Betting Tip	Odds
Standard Liège to win	2.8
Draw	3.28
Sint-Truiden to win	2.43

For those looking to place a bet, the odds suggest value in backing Sint-Truiden given their slight edge. However, with Standard Liège playing at home, there’s always a chance for an upset. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown they can find the back of the net.

Standard Liège Analysis & Past Performance

Standard Liège’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a record showing three wins and two losses in their last five matches. Their recent 1-0 victory against FCV Dender EH was a testament to their defensive resilience, maintaining a clean sheet despite having only 41% possession and facing 10 shots from the opposition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FCV Dender EH	Standard Liège	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	20 Dec 2025
Standard Liège	OH Leuven	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	12 Dec 2025
Cercle Brugge	Standard Liège	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	6 Dec 2025
FCV Dender EH	Standard Liège	3 – 2 (Loss)	Cup	2 Dec 2025
KV Mechelen	Standard Liège	0 – 1 (Win)	Jupiler Pro League	28 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five outings, Standard Liège has averaged 1.20 goals scored per game while conceding 1.00, indicating a need for greater attacking potency. Defensively, they have managed two clean sheets, underscoring a capability to maintain solidity at the back. However, their performance at home has been less consistent, with a win ratio of 0.40 from five home matches, reflecting the challenge of turning their home ground advantage into points.

Performance Insights:

• WLWLW

Standard Liège’s key strength lies in their defensive organisation, having kept three clean sheets in their last five games. However, their attack has been somewhat inconsistent, as evidenced by their goalless outing against OH Leuven. Rafiki Saïd, their top scorer with three goals, will be crucial in improving their goal-scoring record. The team stands sixth in the league with 27 points, highlighting their mid-top tier status as they aim to climb higher.

Standard Liège Suspensions & Injuries

Standard Liège faces a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, potentially impacting their tactical setup against Sint-Truiden. The absence of Marlon Fossey, who is doubtful with a hamstring injury, could weaken the right flank, where his defensive contributions have been significant. Mo El Hankouri’s muscle injury leaves him sidelined for a few days, which could disrupt midfield dynamics, though his absence is likely to be short-lived. Additionally, the hamstring injury to Hakim Sahabo and the unknown issue with Josué Homawoo, both expected back in early January 2026, further strain the squad’s depth.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Matthieu Epolo	National team	1	Unknown
Rafiki Saïd	National team	1	Unknown

The suspensions of Matthieu Epolo and Rafiki Saïd, both serving national team bans with one match remaining, add to the team’s woes. Their absence may compel coach Vincent Euvrard to adjust his defensive strategy, possibly integrating less experienced players to fill these gaps. This could affect the team’s overall defensive solidity, especially considering the importance of these players in previous matches.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Marlon Fossey	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Mo El Hankouri	Muscle Injury	Few days
Hakim Sahabo	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2026
Josué Homawoo	Unknown	Early January 2026

With these absences, Standard Liège might need to rely on younger talents or tactical shifts, such as altering their formation to accommodate available players. This situation could influence betting markets, as the team’s decreased depth and experience might affect their performance against Sint-Truiden.

Standard Liège Key Players

Standard Liège will be looking to compensate for the absence of their top scorer Rafiki Saïd, who has netted three goals this season and is currently unavailable. In his absence, the attacking burden falls on Timothé Nkada and Dennis Eckert Ayensa. Nkada, known for his agility and quick movements, could be pivotal in breaking down Sint-Truiden’s defence. Eckert Ayensa, with his physical presence and eye for goal, is expected to spearhead the attack and capitalise on any opportunities.

Marco Ilaimaharitra in midfield will be crucial for orchestrating play and maintaining possession. His ability to intercept and distribute the ball efficiently makes him indispensable. In defence, the likes of Daan Dierckx and Ibe Hautekiet will be tasked with maintaining a solid back line, crucial for thwarting Sint-Truiden’s attacking threats. Their defensive solidity and aerial prowess will be vital in dealing with set-pieces.

Expected lineup for Standard Liège

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Pirard
• Defence: Daan Dierckx, Ibrahim Karamoko, Ibe Hautekiet
• Midfield: Henry Lawrence, Marco Ilaimaharitra, Nayel Mehssatou, Tobias Mohr, Casper Nielsen
• Forward: Timothé Nkada, Dennis Eckert Ayensa

Standard Liège Tactics and Formation

Standard Liège Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Timothé Nkada
• Midfield Pivot: Marco Ilaimaharitra and Casper Nielsen
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Compact defence and quick counter-attacks.

In their recent matches, Standard Liège has adopted a 3-5-2 formation, offering a balance between defensive solidity and attacking potential. The midfield, spearheaded by Marco Ilaimaharitra and Casper Nielsen, serves as a dynamic pivot, linking defence and attack efficiently. This setup allows them to dominate central areas and quickly transition from defence to offence.

Defensively, the three-man backline, including Daan Dierckx and Ibe Hautekiet, provides a robust shield that has contributed to their clean sheet records. The wing-backs, Henry Lawrence and Tobias Mohr, play crucial roles in both defence and wide attacks, stretching the opposition and creating space for central playmakers.

Offensively, the partnership of Timothé Nkada and Dennis Eckert up front ensures that Standard Liège can exploit spaces behind Sint-Truiden’s defence. Their high pressing and quick counter-attacks, particularly effective in the latter stages of matches, pose significant threats to opponents.

Sint-Truiden Analysis & Past Performance

Sint-Truiden has shown a commendable level of performance in recent matches, maintaining a respectable form with three wins out of their last five league games. Their recent results include a narrow 1-0 victory over KV Mechelen and an impressive 3-2 win against Club Brugge, highlighting their ability to compete against top-tier teams.

Home Team	Away Team	Outcome	Competition	Date
Sint-Truiden	KV Mechelen	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	21 Dec 2025
Anderlecht	Sint-Truiden	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
Sint-Truiden	Club Brugge	3 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	6 Dec 2025
Royal Antwerp	Sint-Truiden	N/A	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Gent	Sint-Truiden	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Sint-Truiden has been prolific, averaging 2.60 goals per game in their last five fixtures. However, their defence has been less solid, conceding an average of 2.40 goals per match, indicating a potential vulnerability at the back. Despite this, they have managed to secure one clean sheet during this period, showcasing occasional defensive resilience.

In terms of away performance, Sint-Truiden has demonstrated a strong capacity to secure victories, with a win ratio of 60% in their last five away games. Their ability to score consistently, evidenced by finding the back of the net in all five recent matches, underscores their attacking strength.

Currently positioned third in the league with 36 points, Sint-Truiden’s tactical approach seems to focus on high-scoring encounters, as reflected by their 80% rate of both teams scoring in their recent matches. Keisuke Goto has been pivotal in their attacking setup, contributing significantly with six goals so far this season.

• WLWLW

Sint-Truiden Suspensions & Injuries

Sint-Truiden faces a significant challenge with the potential absence of Loïc Lapoussin, who is doubtful for the upcoming match against Standard Liège due to a calf injury. Lapoussin’s creativity and ability to influence the game’s tempo from the midfield are crucial to Sint-Truiden’s attacking strategy. His absence would likely require coach Wouter Vrancken to make tactical adjustments, possibly promoting a more conservative approach in the midfield to compensate for the loss of his dynamic play.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Loïc Lapoussin	Calf Injury	Doubtful

Without Lapoussin, the onus might fall on players like Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako to step up and fill the creative void. Both players bring defensive solidity, but replicating Lapoussin’s attacking flair will be a challenge. This could impact Sint-Truiden’s ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities, potentially leading to a more defensive setup to counter Standard Liège’s attacking prowess.

The betting markets might react to Sint-Truiden’s weakened midfield, potentially altering the odds in favour of Standard Liège. Bettors should consider the potential tactical shift and the impact on Sint-Truiden’s overall team dynamics, as the absence of a key player like Lapoussin could be pivotal in determining the match outcome.

Sint-Truiden Key Players

Sint-Truiden’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Keisuke Goto, who has found the net six times this season. Goto’s clinical finishing and instinctive positioning make him a constant threat in the final third. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and convert chances into goals will be crucial against Standard Liège.

In the midfield, Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako are expected to play pivotal roles. Yamamoto’s vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo, while Sissako’s defensive tenacity offers protection to the back line and aids in transitioning play from defence to attack. Together, they form a dynamic duo that can control the midfield battle.

Defensively, Shogo Taniguchi and Visar Musliu are key figures in maintaining Sint-Truiden’s solidity at the back. Taniguchi’s leadership and Musliu’s tackling and aerial abilities form a robust central defence partnership. Their performance will be instrumental in keeping Standard Liège’s attackers at bay.

Expected lineup for Sint-Truiden

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

Sint-Truiden Tactics and Formation

Sint-Truiden Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Keisuke Goto
• Midfield Pivot: Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Sint-Truiden often deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield duo of Rihito Yamamoto and Abdoulaye Sissako is crucial for maintaining possession and disrupting the opposition’s play, allowing the team to transition quickly from defence to attack.

In defence, Sint-Truiden relies on the experience of Shogo Taniguchi and Visar Musliu at the heart of the defence, with Rein Van Helden and Robert-Jan Vanwesemael providing width and support from the full-back positions. This setup has resulted in one clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating room for improvement in defensive solidity.

Offensively, Sint-Truiden’s strategy is focused on high pressing and exploiting quick transitions, especially through the creative play of Ryotaro Ito and Ilias Sebaoui in the attacking midfield roles, providing support to their top scorer, Keisuke Goto, who has netted six goals this season.

Standard Liège vs Sint-Truiden Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Standard Liège and Sint-Truiden, it’s Sint-Truiden who have the upper hand with 18 wins compared to Standard Liège’s 13, alongside 19 draws. The last encounter saw Sint-Truiden clinch a narrow 1-0 victory at home in the Belgian Pro League.

The last time Standard Liège hosted Sint-Truiden, they managed a 2-1 victory back in November 2024. This fixture at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne often sees closely contested matches, with Standard Liège looking to leverage their home advantage.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sint-Truiden	Standard Liège	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2025-11-09
Sint-Truiden	Standard Liège	1 – 2	Belgian Pro League	2025-01-19
Standard Liège	Sint-Truiden	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2024-11-02
Standard Liège	Sint-Truiden	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff ECL Group	2024-04-27
Sint-Truiden	Standard Liège	3 – 3	Belgian Pro League Playoff ECL Group	2024-04-12