Gent vs Sint-Truidense predictions for this Belgian First Division A clash. Gent face Sint-Truiden on Saturday, having already secured top spot in the Belgian Pro League European playoff table. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Belgian Pro League | Gameweek 10 – May 25, 2024 at 7.30pm UK at GHELAMCO-arena
Don’t Have a Betfred account? Click below to claim this offer👇
Gent vs Sint-Truidense Predictions
Gent’s European Playoff Hopes Hinged on Final Home Stand
Key Stats
– Gent have averaged 2 goals per game this season, showcasing their attacking strength.
– Sint-Truiden have maintained a 57.8% ball possession rate, reflecting their control in matches.
– Gent have achieved 8 clean sheets, underlining their defensive capabilities.
Gent enter their clash against Sint-Truiden on Saturday, buoyed by their strong performance in the Belgian Pro League European playoff. The hosts have already secured top spot in the playoff table, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in form. Meanwhile, Sint-Truiden travel to the Ghelamco Arena with aspirations of finishing as runners-up in the standings.
Earlier in the season, Gent struggled, securing only one win in nine matches. This dip in form led to their participation in the European playoffs. However, under the guidance of Hein Vanhaezebrouck, they have found their rhythm, winning seven of their last nine fixtures. Despite their recent loss to Leuven on May 12, they bounced back with an impressive 4-1 victory over Standard Liege, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
In contrast, Sint-Truiden have been consistent but not spectacular. Thorsten Fink’s side have suffered just two defeats in their last ten matches, including a recent four-game unbeaten streak. However, their inability to string together wins has left them short of European qualification. They approach this match needing a win to have any chance of finishing second in the playoff table.
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw back in August, suggesting another competitive encounter could be on the cards.
Team Analysis
Gent
Vanhaezebrouck is likely to field his strongest side, with an eye on the upcoming European qualification tie. Stefan Mitrovic, Archie Brown, and Laurent Depoitre, who scored twice as a substitute against Standard Liege, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Fatih Kaya might also start, given his impact off the bench in recent games.
Expected lineup: Schmidt; Kandouss, Mokio, Torunarigha; Hjulsager, Gandelman, Gerkens, Kums, Fortuna; Sonko, Fernandez-Pardo.
Sint-Truiden
Fink is likely to stick with the team that earned a hard-fought draw with Leuven. Fatih Kaya, who scored last time out, could be rewarded with a starting role, potentially at the expense of veteran forward Shinji Okazaki.
Expected lineup: Suzuki; Van Helden, Godeau, Smets; Ananou, Delorge, Fujita, Bocat; Yamamoto, Kaya, Ito.
Key Duels and Gameplay
The midfield battle between Gent’s Sven Kums and Sint-Truiden’s Daiki Hashioka will be crucial. Kums’ ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be vital for Gent’s offensive play, while Hashioka’s defensive skills and work rate will be essential to stifle Gent’s attacks.
On the wings, the duel between Gent’s Hjulsager and Sint-Truiden’s Ananou will be significant. Hjulsager’s dribbling and crossing abilities could create numerous opportunities for Gent, whereas Ananou’s defensive positioning and tackling will be tested.
In attack, Gent’s Matias Fernandez, who has been in fine form with four goals in his last four games, will pose a significant threat. His movement and finishing ability will be a handful for Sint-Truiden’s defence.
Tactical Approaches
Gent’s Strategy
Gent will likely adopt an aggressive attacking strategy, utilising their high ball possession and accurate passing. They have averaged 14.9 shots per game, with 5.7 on target, indicating their offensive potency. Their midfield will aim to control the game, feeding balls to the wings and forwards. With players like Fernandez and Depoitre in form, they will look to exploit any defensive lapses by Sint-Truiden.
Sint-Truiden’s Strategy
Sint-Truiden will probably focus on a more conservative approach, aiming to disrupt Gent’s rhythm and hit on the counter. With a decent average ball possession of 57.8%, they will try to retain possession and build up play cautiously. The pace of players like Yamamoto and the clinical finishing of Ito could be key on the counter-attack.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Gent
Strengths: Gent’s offensive firepower is formidable, with an average of 2 goals per game and a total of 78 goals this season. Their defensive solidity, marked by 9 clean sheets, complements their attack.
Weaknesses: Despite their strengths, Gent can sometimes be vulnerable defensively, as evidenced by their 48 goals conceded. Their susceptibility to errors leading to goals could be a concern against a counter-attacking team like Sint-Truiden.
Sint-Truiden
Strengths: Sint-Truiden’s defensive organisation, with players like Suzuki in goal, has been a cornerstone of their strategy. Their ability to counter-attack effectively, coupled with solid midfield play, makes them a threat on the break.
Weaknesses: Their inability to convert chances consistently, averaging only 1.3 goals per game, has been a significant drawback. Additionally, their defence, which has conceded 59 goals, can be porous under sustained pressure.
Managerial Analysis
Hein Vanhaezebrouck (Gent)
Vanhaezebrouck’s experience and tactical acumen have been pivotal in Gent’s resurgence. His ability to rotate the squad effectively while maintaining performance levels has been commendable. However, his conservative approach in certain matches has occasionally cost Gent crucial points.
Thorsten Fink (Sint-Truiden)
Fink’s pragmatic style has kept Sint-Truiden competitive, but his reluctance to adapt tactics mid-game has been a limitation. While his defensive setups are robust, a more dynamic offensive strategy could benefit the team, particularly in crucial matches.
Expected Goals Averages
Gent have an impressive expected goals average, reflecting their attacking prowess. With an average of 2 goals per game and numerous shots on target, they are one of the most potent teams in the league. Their ability to create big chances, averaging 3.1 per game, underlines their offensive efficiency.
Sint-Truiden’s expected goals average is lower, at 1.3 goals per game. Their reliance on counter-attacks and set-pieces for goals is evident. Despite their lower goal tally, their ability to convert big chances, though less frequent, makes them a threat if Gent’s defence falters.
Betting Angles
Analysing the data, several betting angles emerge. Gent’s high average of 5.8 corners per game suggests they will dominate this aspect. Additionally, their superior attacking stats and recent form indicate a likely home win. However, Sint-Truiden’s ability to counter and score suggests they could get on the scoresheet, making both teams to score a viable market.
Predictions
Best Bet: Gent -1 to Win
Gent’s superior form and home advantage make them favourites. With eight wins in their last ten matches, and Sint-Truiden’s lacklustre form, a solid Gent victory is the most likely outcome.
Correct Score: Gent 3-1 Sint-Truiden
Given Gent’s attacking prowess and Sint-Truiden’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-1 scoreline seems plausible. Gent’s ability to score multiple goals coupled with Sint-Truiden’s occasional defensive lapses supports this prediction.
Goalscorer: Matias Fernandez to Score
Matias Fernandez’s recent form, with four goals in his last four matches, makes him a prime candidate to score. His sharpness and positioning will be crucial in breaking down Sint-Truiden’s defence.
Corner Prediction: Gent to Win More Corners
Gent’s higher average of corners per game (5.8) compared to Sint-Truiden (4.8) suggests they will win more corners. The total number of corners is likely to exceed 10, considering both teams’ attacking tendencies.
Innovative Market: Total Cards Under 3.5
Both teams have relatively low averages for yellow cards (1.3 for Gent and 1.6 for Sint-Truiden). Given the nature of the match, it is likely to be competitive but not overly aggressive, making a total under 3.5 cards a reasonable prediction.
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
