Can Gent continue their perfect start against a favourite opponent? Gent vs Standard prediction - 18.09.2026
On Friday, September 18, Gent welcome Standard Liège to the Planet Group Arena for a Jupiler Pro League clash. Based on the completed matches available at the time of writing, Rik De Mil's side are the only team with a perfect record: five wins from five, 15 points and a 10-2 goal difference. Standard have also made an excellent start, collecting 11 points without suffering a defeat and scoring ten goals in their opening five league matches.
Gent: a perfect start built on defensive control
Gent's results are impressive, but the way they have been achieved is even more encouraging. In their latest completed league fixture, the Buffaloes defeated Cercle Brugge 3-0 away from home. Gent played through the opponent's high press effectively and allowed Cercle an xG of exactly zero in the first half. Davy Roef was barely troubled after the break either, while Tibe De Vlieger and El Hadji Seck helped turn a controlled performance into a convincing scoreline.
That victory made it five consecutive league wins for De Mil's team. Gent have conceded only twice across those five games, while their attack has not been dependent on one individual. The team are showing an ability to win both tight matches and games in which they are given more space, and that versatility is particularly important against an opponent as organised as Standard.
Standard: unbeaten, disciplined and clearly improving under Euvrard
Standard's strong opening is no accident either. Vincent Euvrard, whose contract was extended until June 2028 during the summer, has brought greater stability to the team. The Rouches have three wins and two draws from their first five league matches, and their most recent completed fixture ended in a 1-0 victory over Antwerp. Standard produced 12 shots, eight of them on target, controlled 56% of possession and won 13 corners, with Dennis Eckert scoring the decisive goal in the 77th minute.
There is, however, an important personnel problem on the left side of the defence. Gustav Mortensen suffered a small calf tear against Antwerp and has specifically been ruled out of the trip to Gent. Tobias Mohr is one of the options to replace him. At the other end, Andi Zeqiri has returned to Standard and gives Euvrard another attacking option alongside players such as Eckert, Adnane Abid and Bernard Nguene.
Gent have dominated this matchup
Recent head-to-head history is remarkably one-sided. Gent have won the last six meetings between these clubs, with results of 4-0, 4-0, 1-0, 5-0, 4-1 and 5-1. That is a combined score of 23-2 in Gent's favour. At the Planet Group Arena specifically, the Buffaloes have won the last three encounters 4-0, 5-0 and 5-1.
Gent's balance and home advantage should make the difference
Standard's unbeaten start means this should not be treated as another straightforward fixture for the league leaders. Euvrard's side are much more stable than in recent seasons, can defend compactly and have already shown that they can create enough chances to win close matches.
Still, Gent currently look like the more complete team. Their defensive structure has been excellent, they are comfortable playing through pressure, and the historical matchup is heavily in their favour. Add home advantage and Standard's enforced change on the left side of defence, and there is enough value in backing De Mil's team to eventually find a way through.
Prediction: Gent to win.
