Standard Liège vs OH Leuven Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 12 December

Standard Liège vs OH Leuven Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, 12 December, as these two Belgian sides face off in the First Division A. The match is set to take place at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, where Standard Liège will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage. Both teams have had mixed fortunes this season, making this encounter crucial for their league standings.

Standard Liège, known for their strong home performances, will aim to secure three points against OH Leuven, who have shown resilience on the road. The significance of this matchup lies in its potential impact on the league table, with both teams eager to climb higher. Fans can expect a competitive game as each side seeks to assert their dominance in Belgium’s top flight.

Standard Liège vs OH Leuven Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Prediction	Odds
Standard Liège to Win	1.9

Given the current form of both teams and the advantage of playing at home, our recommended betting tip is to back Standard Liège to win. The odds of around 1.90 offer decent value, especially considering their stronger league position and OH Leuven’s inconsistency away from home.

• Standard Liège’s solid home form and their need to respond after recent head-to-head results make them a strong contender.
• OH Leuven’s key absence in Siebe Schrijvers weakens their midfield creativity, which could be crucial.
• Despite Leuven’s unbeaten run in past meetings, the expected regression and Standard’s home advantage should play a significant role.

Betting Odds

Standard Liège are the favourites heading into this clash at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, with betting odds of 2.26 suggesting confidence in a home win. However, OH Leuven’s odds of 3.16 reflect their potential to cause an upset, especially given their recent form.

Betting Tip	Odds
Standard Liège to win	2.26
Draw	3.17
OH Leuven to win	3.16

The draw is priced at 3.17, indicating that bookmakers see a closely contested affair. For those looking at alternative markets, both teams to score could be an enticing option, considering the attacking capabilities on display.

Standard Liège Analysis & Past Performance

Standard Liège have displayed a mixed bag of performances recently, securing three victories in their last five matches across all competitions. Notable results include a crucial 2-1 away win over Cercle Brugge and a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against KV Mechelen.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
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
Standard Liège	Zulte Waregem	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler Pro League	21 Nov 2025
St.Truiden	Standard Liège	1 – 0 (Loss)	Jupiler Pro League	9 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Over the last five fixtures, Standard Liège have averaged 1.00 goal per game, with a total of five goals scored and five conceded. Their recent defensive efforts have resulted in two clean sheets, indicating some level of stability at the back. However, the team has been inconsistent at home, with a win ratio of just 40% in their last five home games.

Team Dynamics:

• WLWDL

Thomas Henry has been pivotal to Standard Liège’s attacking operations, leading the scoring charts with three goals. The team’s ability to score is further evidenced by the fact that they have managed to score in three out of their last five games. Despite this, their susceptibility to conceding goals remains a concern, as they have also let in goals in three of these matches.

Standard Liège Suspensions & Injuries

Standard Liège face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Marco Ilaimaharitra, who is suspended for accumulating yellow cards, will be a blow to the midfield’s stability and defensive capabilities. His presence is often crucial in breaking up opposition play and providing cover for the backline.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Marco Ilaimaharitra	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Injuries further compound Standard Liège’s woes, with David Bates, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, and Marlon Fossey all doubtful due to their respective injuries. Bates’ knee injury and Bolingoli-Mbombo’s Achilles tendon problem leave gaps in the defensive lineup, while Fossey’s hamstring issue affects the team’s ability to stretch play and deliver crosses from the flanks. Daan Dierckx’s shoulder injury rules him out until early January 2026, which means the team will need to rely on less experienced options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
David Bates	Knee injury	Doubtful
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo	Achilles tendon injury	Doubtful
Marlon Fossey	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Daan Dierckx	Shoulder injury	Early January 2026

These absences are likely to force coach Vincent Euvrard to make significant tactical adjustments, potentially shifting formations to accommodate available personnel. The lack of depth might also impact Standard Liège’s ability to maintain intensity throughout the match, potentially influencing betting markets as they face OH Leuven.

Standard Liège Key Players

Standard Liège will be relying heavily on Thomas Henry, their top scorer with three goals this season, to spearhead their attack. Henry’s ability to find space in the box and his proficiency in aerial duels make him a constant threat to OH Leuven’s defence. His partnership with Dennis Eckert Ayensa, known for his pace and agility, could be pivotal in breaking down the opposition’s backline.

In midfield, Casper Nielsen stands out with his dynamic playmaking abilities. His vision and passing accuracy will be crucial in linking up with the forwards and dictating the tempo of the game. On the defensive end, Josué Homawoo’s commanding presence as a centre-back will be vital in maintaining a solid defensive structure against OH Leuven’s attacks.

Standard Liège’s tactical approach will likely revolve around utilising the strengths of these key players. The combination of Henry’s clinical finishing, Nielsen’s creativity, and Homawoo’s defensive leadership could shape their strategy, aiming for a balanced performance both offensively and defensively.

Expected lineup for Standard Liège:

• Goalkeeper: Matthieu Epolo
• Defence: Henry Lawrence, Ibe Hautekiet, Josué Homawoo, Tobias Mohr
• Midfield: Hakim Sahabo, Casper Nielsen, Mo El Hankouri
• Forward: Adnane Abid, Dennis Eckert Ayensa, Timothé Nkada

Standard Liège Tactics and Formation

Standard Liège Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Timothé Nkada
• Midfield Core: Casper Nielsen and Marco Ilaimaharitra
• Defensive Stability: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive shape and quick transitions in midfield.

Standard Liège are expected to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, which provides solidity and flexibility. With Timothé Nkada leading the attack, the team relies on his ability to hold up play and bring midfielders into the game. The midfield, anchored by Casper Nielsen and Marco Ilaimaharitra, is crucial for both defensive duties and initiating quick counterattacks.

Defensively, the back four consisting of Henry Lawrence, Ibe Hautekiet, Josué Homawoo, and Tobias Mohr, supported by goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo, has been effective, as evidenced by their two clean sheets in recent matches. This defensive setup aims to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left by opponents.

Offensively, Standard Liège focus on rapid transitions, utilising the pace and creativity of Mohamed El Hankouri and Dennis Eckert on the flanks. Despite a recent mixed form, this approach has allowed them to remain competitive, particularly effective when capitalising on opposition errors.

OH Leuven Analysis & Past Performance

OH Leuven’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five matches yielding one win, one draw, and three losses. This sequence includes a 1-1 draw against Zulte Waregem and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Cup. Their solitary victory came in a 2-1 away win at Cercle Brugge, showcasing their capability to perform on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	Zulte Waregem	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	7 Dec 2025
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 Brugge	OH Leuven	1 – 2 (Win)	Jupiler League	8 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, OH Leuven have averaged 1.20 goals per match while conceding 1.60. Notably, they have scored in all five matches, indicating a consistent attacking threat, albeit with defensive vulnerabilities as they have also conceded in each game. Their inability to keep clean sheets remains a concern, having failed to do so in their recent outings.

On the road, OH Leuven have recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five away fixtures. Their away form slightly edges their overall performance, highlighted by a win ratio of 0.40 compared to 0.20 at home. Currently positioned 14th in the league with 16 points, OH Leuven need to address their defensive frailties to climb the standings effectively.

• DLLLW

OH Leuven Suspensions & Injuries

OH Leuven face a challenging situation with several key players doubtful for their upcoming clash against Standard Liège. Bryang Kayo, Siebe Schrijvers, and Thibault Vlietinck are all nursing injuries, which could significantly impact the team’s midfield dynamism and overall tactical fluidity. Their potential absence might force coach Felice Mazzu to rely on less experienced squad members, potentially affecting the balance and creativity in midfield.

Bryang Kayo’s knock injury and Siebe Schrijvers’ ankle issue pose a particular concern, as both players are instrumental in transitioning play from defence to attack. Without them, OH Leuven may struggle to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities, which could see a tactical shift towards a more defensive setup.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bryang Kayo	Knock	Doubtful
Siebe Schrijvers	Ankle	Doubtful
Thibault Vlietinck	Unknown	Doubtful

The absence of Siebe Schrijvers, in particular, might necessitate a tactical adjustment, possibly seeing Lukasz Lakomy or Thibaud Verlinden stepping up to fill the creative void. However, these adjustments could leave OH Leuven vulnerable, especially against a team like Standard Liège known for its attacking prowess.

With these injury concerns, OH Leuven’s depth will be tested, and their ability to adapt tactically will be crucial. These absences could influence betting markets, possibly skewing odds in favour of Standard Liège, given OH Leuven’s weakened squad.

OH Leuven Key Players

Sory Kaba stands out as OH Leuven’s top scorer with three goals this season, spearheading the attack with his keen eye for goal and physical presence. His ability to hold up play and link with midfielders makes him a formidable threat to any defence. Kaba’s partnership with Mathieu Maertens is particularly crucial, as Maertens provides the creativity and quick footwork needed to unlock tight defences.

Óscar Gil and Youssef Maziz are pivotal in the midfield for OH Leuven, orchestrating play with their vision and passing accuracy. Gil’s defensive capabilities complement Maziz’s attacking instincts, allowing Leuven to maintain balance in the middle of the park. In defence, Ewoud Pletinckx and Roggerio Nyakossi anchor the backline, providing solidity and aerial prowess, essential for maintaining a clean sheet.

Expected lineup for OH Leuven

• Goalkeeper: Tobe Leysen
• Defence: Ewoud Pletinckx, Noe Dussenne, Roggerio Nyakossi
• Midfield: Óscar Gil, Youssef Maziz, Lukasz Lakomy, Birger Verstraete, Thibaud Verlinden
• Forward: Mathieu Maertens, Sory Kaba

OH Leuven Tactics and Formation

OH Leuven Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Sory Kaba
• Midfield Pivot: Youssef Maziz and Birger Verstraete
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on wide play and crossing.

OH Leuven’s 4-4-2 formation is structured to provide balance across the pitch, emphasising width and crossing opportunities. In the midfield, Youssef Maziz and Birger Verstraete take on pivotal roles, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and providing creative outlets to the forwards.

Offensively, the team lean heavily on the attacking prowess of Sory Kaba, who is their top scorer with three goals. Alongside Mathieu Maertens, he forms a striking partnership that thrives on service from wide areas, particularly from Thibaud Verlinden on the wing.

Defensively, the setup has shown vulnerabilities, with OH Leuven failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games. The backline, consisting of Óscar Gil and Noe Dussenne, among others, will need to tighten up to reduce the average of 1.60 goals conceded per game recently.

Standard Liège vs OH Leuven Head-to-Head Record

Standard Liège and OH Leuven have faced off 28 times, with Standard winning 11, Leuven taking 9 victories, and 8 matches ending in a draw. The last encounter saw OH Leuven clinch a 1-0 win at home in the Belgian Pro League. It’s worth noting that Standard Liège last hosted this fixture in April 2025, where they fell 0-1 to Leuven in the Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group.

When it comes to matches at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Standard Liège have a slight edge, but recent results have shown Leuven’s ability to snatch away wins. The last league meeting at this venue ended in a 1-1 draw in December 2024, indicating a closely contested affair.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
OH Leuven	Standard Liège	1 – 0	Belgian Pro League	31 August 2025
OH Leuven	Standard Liège	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group	26 April 2025
Standard Liège	OH Leuven	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League Playoff Conference League Group	22 April 2025
Standard Liège	OH Leuven	1 – 1	Belgian Pro League	7 December 2024
OH Leuven	Standard Liège	2 – 0	Belgian Pro League	31 August 2024