Charleroi vs Oud-Heverlee Leuven: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 19.05.2026
One of the matches of the ninth round of the Belgian Conference League playoff will take place on Tuesday at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, where the local side Charleroi will host Oud-Heverlee Leuven. The hosts still have a mathematical chance to join the battle for first place, while the visitors are playing without serious pressure in the standings - but after thrashing Antwerp, they look capable of spoiling the evening for any opponent.
Match preview
Charleroi complicated the end of their playoff campaign themselves: after three straight wins, Mario Konen’s squad lost 0-1 to Westerlo and allowed the leading group to pull dangerously far ahead. Formally, four points can still be made up, but now the hosts need not only a win of their own, but also help from their rivals.
In terms of quality, Charleroi have actually improved in recent weeks. The biggest progress has come in defense: after a rough stretch conceding 22 goals in nine games, the team suddenly tightened up at the back, allowing just five goals in their last seven matches. Until the loss to Westerlo, they kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Oud-Heverlee Leuven approach this match in a much calmer state: Felice Mazzu’s team has long ceased to be real contenders for the Conference League and are finishing out the season without significant pressure. But this freedom can sometimes make them more dangerous - last round, they unexpectedly routed Antwerp 3-0 and showed they can flip the switch even in energy-saving mode.
Leuven’s squad situation has also improved: Oscar Gil returned from a minor injury and could be ready to start. The only serious loss remains Noe Dussenne, meaning Mazzu has almost a full set of players to play boldly on the road - where Leuven’s head-to-head history against Charleroi is traditionally solid.
Probable lineups
- Charleroi: Kone, Keita, Usu, Nzita, Blum, Kamara, Titraoui, Bernier, Giagon, Kevin Van Den Kerkhof, Scheidler.
- Oud-Heverlee Leuven: Leysen, Plethincks, Nyakossi, Akimoto, Opoku, George, Lakomy, Teklab, Vaesen, Traore, Kaba.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Charleroi have won three of their last four playoff matches, but lost 0-1 to Westerlo in the previous round.
- Oud-Heverlee Leuven thrashed Antwerp 3-0 last round, earning their first win at this stage.
- Leuven are unbeaten against Charleroi in 13 of their last 15 head-to-head clashes and have won four of their last six away games against this opponent.
Prediction
Charleroi come into this match with clear motivation: only a win will keep their Conference League hopes alive, at least mathematically. Konen's side have become much more disciplined off the ball, and the return of Titraoui and Giagon has injected the midfield and attack with the energy that was missing at the start of the playoffs. Oud-Heverlee Leuven can be tricky opponents thanks to their freedom from pressure and a strong head-to-head record, but the visitors still lack consistency. I expect a cautious match with few chances, where Charleroi’s higher motivation and improved defense should be the decisive factors.
