The gap between the two sides in the standings is obvious. The home team sit third in the championship playoff on 39 points, while the visitors are bottom on 27. But the course of this match could be much more complicated than the table suggests.
Gent’s recent performances have not been as poor as the points tally indicates. Over their last 10 matches, they have recorded three wins, four draws and three defeats, a 70% unbeaten rate. They have drawn away at Union Saint-Gilloise and beaten Dender, showing no fear when facing stronger opposition. Sint-Truiden’s recent consistency, meanwhile, is questionable — they can beat Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht, but also lose to Club Brugge and Genk, making them an unpredictable side.
Gent’s injury problems are indeed serious, with four defenders missing from the back line. But Sint-Truiden are also without midfield anchors Rihito Yamamoto and Muja, which will affect their control in the middle of the park. Both sides are missing key players, narrowing the gap between them.
In the historical head-to-head record, Gent hold a slight edge over the hosts with four wins, three draws and three defeats. In the championship playoff, bottom-placed Gent still have a theoretical chance of clawing their way back, so their motivation will not be any less than the home side’s. The home advantage at Stayen is real, but the possibility of Gent taking something from the game should not be overlooked.