Jupiler Pro League: OH Leuven Eye Relegation Escape Against Mid-Table Zulte Waregem
In a pivotal 2025-26 Jupiler Pro League encounter, 14th-placed OH Leuven will host 9th-ranked Zulte Waregem. The home side is desperately fighting to escape the relegation zone, while the visitors aim to solidify their mid-table position and contend for a European playoff spot. This match is crucial for both teams' league trajectories, with OH Leuven in dire need of a win to reverse their recent poor form, and Zulte Waregem looking to leverage their historical advantage over Leuven.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This 17th-round fixture in the Jupiler Pro League holds significant weight for the home side, OH Leuven. Struggling in the 2025-26 season, OH Leuven currently sits in 14th position with 15 points from 16 matches (4 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses), battling to escape the relegation zone. Given the league's format for this season—which sees the 14th-placed team enter a promotion-relegation playoff due to an expansion to 18 teams in 2026-27—Leuven is keen to avoid this precarious scenario. In contrast, visitors Zulte Waregem are in a more comfortable position, currently 9th in the league with 21 points from 16 matches (5 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses). Their objective is to solidify their mid-table standing and potentially push for a top-six finish to qualify for the championship playoffs or a European playoff spot. Notably, Zulte Waregem secured a 2-0 victory against OH Leuven in their previous league encounter on September 13, which might give them a psychological edge. The outcome of this match will directly impact both teams' positions in the league table and their season ambitions.
Recent Form
OH Leuven's recent form has been concerning, with two wins and three losses in their last five league matches. They are currently on a three-game losing streak, falling 2-1 to Genk, 2-1 to St. Truiden, and 2-1 to Club Brugge. Prior to this, they secured a 2-1 victory over Cercle Brugge and a commanding 4-0 win against Gent, demonstrating their potential, but defensive fragility remains a key concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four outings. Zulte Waregem's recent performance is also far from ideal, as they are winless in their last five league fixtures, recording three draws and two losses. Their recent results include a 2-1 defeat to Union St. Gilloise, followed by draws against Cercle Brugge (1-1), Standard Liege (0-0), and Dender (2-2). Both teams are desperate for a win to boost morale and improve their league standing.
Key Players & Injury News
For OH Leuven, forward Sory Kaba demonstrated his attacking prowess by scoring in the recent match against Club Brugge. Other key players include some of their top goalscorers this season, such as Ewoud Pletinckx, Youssef Maziz, Łukasz Łakomy, and Mathieu Maertens. Coach Felice Mazzù will rely on their performances to turn the team's fortunes around. On the Zulte Waregem side, leading scorer Jeppe Erenbjerg, with 7 goals this season, is a crucial asset in their attack. Defender Anton Tanghe also found the net in their recent draw against Cercle Brugge. Jelle Vossen and Anosike Ementa are additional attacking players to watch. As of now, there are no significant new injury reports for key players on either team, suggesting both squads are expected to field relatively full-strength lineups.