The hosts' title-challenging form meets a struggling defence: Gent vs Oud-Heverlee Leuven prediction
The fourth-round Belgian Pro League match between Gent and Oud-Heverlee Leuven will take place on 3 September at the Planet Group Arena. The hosts have won all three of their opening matches and sit third, while the visitors are 17th and have yet to collect a point.
Gent: three straight wins and strong attacking rhythm
Gent have made a perfect start to the league campaign, beating Mechelen 2-0, La Louvière 2-1 and Club Brugge 2-1. Including their European fixtures, the team are now unbeaten in six consecutive competitive matches and have won four of them.
The Buffalos have been particularly consistent in attack, scoring two and three goals respectively in their last two matches. They also remain unbeaten at home in all competitions.
Oud-Heverlee Leuven: three defeats and defensive problems
Leuven have endured a disastrous start to the season, with defeats to Charleroi 3-1, Club Brugge 3-0 and Standard 2-1 leaving them without a point. Including the end of last season, the visitors have now lost eight of their last 11 league matches.
Defence remains the main problem, with the team conceding at least twice in each of their three league matches. Leuven's games have also tended to be high-scoring, with each of their last six fixtures in all competitions producing at least three goals.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Nine of Gent's last 13 regular-season league matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Oud-Heverlee Leuven's last six matches have all produced at least three goals.
- Five of the last seven head-to-head meetings have also produced over 2.5 goals.
A high-scoring scenario looks the most logical: Gent vs Oud-Heverlee Leuven prediction
Gent are in excellent form and should create chances regularly at home against a defence that has already conceded eight goals in three rounds. Leuven are also capable of exploiting open spaces and contributing to the overall goal tally.
The statistics of both teams and the recent head-to-head record point towards an open match. Backing a high total therefore looks like the most logical option.
