Jupiler Pro League: Standard Liège Hosts Gent in Crucial Play-off Push
A pivotal Jupiler Pro League clash sees Standard Liège host KAA Gent, with both teams vying for a spot in the Championship Play-offs. The outcome of this match will significantly impact their league standings as Gent rides a wave of recent success, while Standard Liège looks to rebound in front of their home crowd. Gent has dominated recent head-to-head encounters against Standard Liège.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Jupiler Pro League Round 22 match pits Standard Liège against KAA Gent at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Standard Liège currently sits 7th in the league table, with KAA Gent closely ahead in 6th position. The Belgian Pro League features a play-off system where the top six teams after the regular season enter Play-offs I (Championship Play-off). Consequently, this fixture is crucial for both sides as they aim to secure a top-six finish and a chance at European qualification. KAA Gent enters the match in high spirits after a thrilling 4-2 victory against Anderlecht in their last outing, while Standard Liège will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 away defeat to Charleroi. Gent has enjoyed dominance in recent head-to-head encounters; however, they will need to improve on their generally poor away record this season to maintain that superiority at Standard's home ground.
Recent Form
Standard Liège's recent form has been inconsistent, holding an overall record of 8 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses in the 2025/2026 season, equating to a 38% win rate. Their home form has been poor, with 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, while their away form is considered good, having registered 5 wins, 0 draws, and 6 losses. In their last six Pro League fixtures, Standard Liège has suffered four defeats, including a recent 2-0 loss to Charleroi, highlighting a struggle for consistency.
KAA Gent, on the other hand, boasts a good overall form this season with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses, also resulting in a 38% win rate. Their home form is strong with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, but their away form has been poor, comprising 2 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. Despite their away struggles, Gent's recent 4-2 victory over Anderlecht will undoubtedly provide a significant boost in morale as they head to Liège.
Key Players & Injury News
Standard Liège's attacking threat will largely depend on top scorers Rafiki Said Ahamada and Thomas Henry, who have each contributed 3 goals this season, with Casper Nielsen also providing support. Defensively, Josue Homawoo and goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo are key figures. There are no major new injury concerns reported for Standard Liège ahead of this match.
KAA Gent's attacking prowess is led by Omri Gandelman, who has scored 7 goals this season, and Wilfried Kanga, with 4 goals and 3 assists. Michal Skoras is a key creative force with 3 assists. No significant new injury news has been reported for KAA Gent at this time.