Union Saint-Gilloise vs Zulte Waregem Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 20 December

Union Saint-Gilloise will host Zulte Waregem in an intriguing Belgian First Division A clash at Stade Joseph Marien on Saturday, 20 December. This fixture takes place in Belgium’s top-flight league, with both sides eager to make an impact. Union Saint-Gilloise, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with Stade Joseph Marien to secure a crucial victory.

Zulte Waregem, meanwhile, will aim to upset the hosts and collect valuable points on the road. As both teams strive to improve their league positions, this encounter promises to be highly competitive. The match could have a significant impact on the league table, making it a must-watch for fans and punters alike.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Zulte Waregem Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Union Saint-Gilloise to Win	1.65

Given Union Saint-Gilloise’s formidable home record and their recent dominance over Zulte Waregem, our recommended betting tip is to back Union Saint-Gilloise for a home win. Their consistency at home, combined with the attacking threat of Jeppe Erenbjerg, makes this a strong selection.

• Union Saint-Gilloise are unbeaten in 15 consecutive home matches, underlining their reliability at home.
• Jeppe Erenbjerg’s impressive form, with seven goals from an xG of 6.32, highlights their attacking potency.
• Zulte Waregem’s inconsistency, with just one win in their last five matches, further strengthens the case for a home win.

Betting Odds

Union Saint-Gilloise are clear favourites for this fixture, with the odds heavily in their favour at 1.26. Zulte Waregem are considered the underdogs, priced at 9.96, indicating a difficult challenge for the visitors.

Betting Tip	Odds
Union Saint-Gilloise to win	1.26
Draw	5.67
Zulte Waregem to win	9.96

For those considering alternative markets, the odds for a draw are 5.67, which may appeal to some punters given football’s unpredictable nature. Additionally, the over/under goals market could present interesting opportunities, given the attacking strengths on display.

Union Saint-Gilloise Analysis & Recent Performance

Union Saint-Gilloise have experienced mixed form of late, as reflected in their last five matches: one win, two losses, and two draws. Their recent performances have been somewhat inconsistent, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Sporting Charleroi and a narrow 2-3 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Charleroi	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 1 (Draw)	Belgian Pro League	14 Dec, 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Marseille	2 – 3 (Loss)	Champions League	9 Dec, 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Gent	1 – 1 (Draw)	Belgian Pro League	6 Dec, 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1 (Win)	Cup	3 Dec, 2025
Anderlecht	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 0 (Loss)	Belgian Pro League	30 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:
Union Saint-Gilloise have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings, demonstrating attacking promise despite failing to keep a clean sheet in this period. They have scored in four of these matches, with Promise David leading the scoring charts on seven goals this season. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match and have struggled for solidity, conceding in each of their last five games.

Home vs Away Performance:

• DLDWL

Home advantage has been significant for Union Saint-Gilloise, who have won three of their last five home games. This contrasts with an overall win ratio of 20% in recent fixtures. Their resilience at Stade Joseph Marien suggests they could be particularly dangerous at home.

Union Saint-Gilloise Suspensions & Injuries

Union Saint-Gilloise are dealing with several key absences that could influence their tactical approach against Zulte Waregem. Adem Zorgane is unavailable due to international duty, requiring coach David Hubert to adapt his midfield strategy. Zorgane’s influence in the centre is crucial, and his absence may see Anan Khalaili take on a more central role, potentially changing the team’s usual dynamics.

Player	Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Adem Zorgane	International Duty	2	Unknown

Mohammed Fuseini’s ankle injury casts doubt over his participation, which could impact Union Saint-Gilloise’s attacking options. Without Fuseini, the team may rely more heavily on Promise David and Kevin Rodriguez to provide a threat up front. The uncertainty over Fuseini’s fitness may force Hubert to consider alternative formations or tactics to maintain offensive pressure.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mohammed Fuseini	Ankle injury	Doubtful

Union Saint-Gilloise Key Players

Union Saint-Gilloise’s attack is led by Promise David, the team’s top scorer with seven goals this season. David’s clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat in the final third. His partnership with Kevin Rodriguez is expected to cause problems for Zulte Waregem’s defence. In midfield, Rob Schoofs stands out as a key playmaker, using his vision and passing range to orchestrate attacks and drive the team forward.

At the back, Christian Burgess is a crucial figure, providing leadership and stability. His experience and aerial ability are vital in defending set-pieces and countering Zulte Waregem’s attacking threats. Alongside Burgess, Kevin Mac Allister’s versatility offers tactical flexibility, allowing the team to adapt during the match.

Expected lineup for Union Saint-Gilloise

• Goalkeeper: Kjell Scherpen
• Defenders: Christian Burgess, Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister
• Midfielders: Kamiel van de Perre, Anan Khalaili, Mathias Rasmussen, Rob Schoofs, Louis Patris
• Forwards: Promise David, Kevin Rodriguez

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactics and Formation

Union Saint-Gilloise Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Promise David
• Midfield Pivot: Rob Schoofs and Adem Zorgane
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession game with effective wing play.

Union Saint-Gilloise typically use a 3-5-2 formation, allowing them to dominate possession and control the tempo. With Rob Schoofs and Adem Zorgane in midfield, they maintain a strong presence both defensively and offensively, supporting the attack while providing defensive cover.

Defensively, the trio of Christian Burgess, Fedde Leysen, and Kevin Mac Allister forms a robust back line, though they have managed just one clean sheet in their last five matches. Their ability to disrupt opposition attacks will be key against Zulte Waregem.

In attack, Union Saint-Gilloise focus on maintaining high possession, as demonstrated by their 56% possession against Sporting Charleroi. Promise David is central to converting possession into goals, supported by dynamic wing-backs and a flexible midfield. Their strategy often involves exploiting the flanks to stretch the opposition, creating opportunities for crosses and cutbacks.

Zulte Waregem Analysis & Recent Performance

Zulte Waregem’s recent form has been marked by a series of draws, with four of their last five matches ending level and one defeat. Their recent 2-2 draw against RAAL La Louvière highlights their tendency to both score and concede, with 80% of these matches seeing both teams find the net.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Zulte Waregem	RAAL La Louviere	2 – 2 (Draw)	Jupiler League	13 Dec 2025
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1 (Loss)	Cup	3 Dec 2025
Zulte Waregem	Cercle Bruges	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	29 Nov 2025
Standard Liege	Zulte Waregem	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	21 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• DDLDD

The team have struggled to secure victories, as shown by their winless run in the last five league fixtures. Averaging 1.20 goals scored and conceded per game, Zulte Waregem’s attack has been consistent but not clinical enough to secure wins. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet recently and often concede at crucial moments, undermining their ability to hold onto leads. Their away form mirrors these struggles, with only one win in their last five away matches.

Zulte Waregem Suspensions & Injuries

Zulte Waregem face a difficult task against Union Saint-Gilloise, with key player Tochukwu Nnadi unavailable due to international duty. His absence in midfield could disrupt the team’s usual rhythm and defensive solidity. Coach Sven Vandenbroeck may need to consider alternative midfield options, such as Jeppe Erenbjerg or Thomas Claes, to fill the gap left by Nnadi.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Tochukwu Nnadi	National team	2	Unknown

Further concerns arise from Lukas Willen’s ankle injury, which leaves his availability in doubt. Although not a regular starter, his absence could impact the squad’s depth and rotation options. This may force Zulte Waregem to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lukas Willen	Ankle injury	Doubtful

These absences could significantly affect Zulte Waregem’s tactical setup and their prospects in the match. The team may opt for a more defensive formation to compensate for the loss of Nnadi’s dynamism in midfield. Such adjustments may also influence betting markets, with Union Saint-Gilloise likely to be seen as even stronger favourites given Zulte Waregem’s depleted squad.

Zulte Waregem Key Players

Zulte Waregem’s attacking hopes rest on their top scorer, Jeppe Erenbjerg, who has scored seven goals this season. Erenbjerg’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat, and his role in midfield is crucial both for scoring and for linking defence to attack.

In defence, Laurent Lemoine and Anton Tanghe are vital. Lemoine’s leadership and Tanghe’s tackling ability form a strong central partnership tasked with containing Union Saint-Gilloise’s forwards. In attack, Emran Soglo and Stavros Gavriel are expected to exploit any defensive lapses with their pace and technical skills.

Expected lineup for Zulte Waregem:

• Goalkeeper: Brent Gabriel
• Defenders: Benoît Nyssen, Anton Tanghe, Laurent Lemoine, Yannick Cappelle
• Midfielders: Jakob Kiilerich, Thomas Claes, Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Forwards: Emran Soglo, Stavros Gavriel, Anosike Ementa

Zulte Waregem Tactics and Formation

Zulte Waregem Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Unspecified
• Key Forward: Anosike Ementa
• Midfield Pivot: Tochukwu Nnadi and Jeppe Erenbjerg
• Defensive Strength: Struggles with clean sheets, only one in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play, but vulnerable defensively.

In recent matches, Zulte Waregem have favoured a high-possession approach, achieving around 70% possession in their last outing. This style is anchored by a midfield featuring Tochukwu Nnadi and Jeppe Erenbjerg, who contribute both defensively and offensively.

In attack, Zulte Waregem rely heavily on Anosike Ementa to convert possession into goals, supported by creative midfielders such as Emran Soglo and Joseph Opoku, who are responsible for providing incisive passes.

Defensively, the team have struggled to keep clean sheets, with only one in their last five games. The back line, including players like Benoît Nyssen and Anton Tanghe, will need to tighten up to reduce the number of chances conceded, as seen in their recent 2-2 draw with RAAL La Louvière.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Zulte Waregem Head-to-Head Record

Union Saint-Gilloise have the advantage in their head-to-head record with Zulte Waregem, claiming eight wins from twelve encounters. Zulte Waregem have managed three victories, with just one draw between the sides. In their most recent meeting, Union Saint-Gilloise secured a 2-1 win in a Cup match earlier this month.

In the Belgian Pro League, Union Saint-Gilloise have been particularly dominant, including a 4-0 victory the last time they hosted Zulte Waregem in February 2023. Historically, Union have been strong at home, which could be a significant factor in this upcoming match.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	2 – 1	Cup	2025-12-03
Zulte Waregem	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 4	Belgian Pro League	2025-11-01
Union Saint-Gilloise	Zulte Waregem	4 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2023-02-05
Zulte Waregem	Union Saint-Gilloise	1 – 3	Belgian Pro League	2022-09-04
Zulte Waregem	Union Saint-Gilloise	0 – 2	First Division A	2021-12-15