Zulte-Waregem vs Sporting Charleroi: match statistics

Sporting Charleroi have won 4 of their 5 matches so far, scoring 11 goals in the process, while Zulte-Waregem are unbeaten in 3 wins and 2 draws, with a 10:3 goal difference. The hosts are highly effective at home, where they have won both matches, averaging 3 goals scored and conceding just 0.5 goals per game. However, the visitors create considerably more high-quality chances away from home: their average xG stands at 2.10 compared with Zulte-Waregem’s 1.56, and they also register 20.5 shots per match versus their opponents’ 14. Charleroi remain solid defensively, allowing opponents an xG of 1.11, while the hosts allow 1.27. The match is expected to be closely contested, but the visitors’ greater chance-creation intensity and four wins in their last five matches give them a slight edge to claim victory.

Zulte-Waregem and Sporting Charleroi have not recorded a single goalless game this season, averaging 2.33 and 2.00 goals scored respectively. Their attacking potential is confirmed by high xG figures: 2.04 for the hosts and 2.10 for the visitors, alongside 18.67 and 20.50 shots per match. Zulte-Waregem have conceded an average of 1.33 goals, while Charleroi have the stronger defence, conceding just 0.50 goals on average and keeping clean sheets in 50% of their matches. Despite the visitors’ defensive advantage, their last five fixtures produced an average of 1.00 goal conceded, while the hosts continued to score 2.00 goals per match during this period. BTTS rates of 67% for Zulte-Waregem and 60% for Charleroi in their last five matches provide a moderately stronger signal for both teams to score than for the scenario in which at least one side fails to find the net.

Both teams display very strong attacking potential: Zulte-Waregem score an average of 2.33 goals, while Sporting Charleroi average 2.00 goals per match. This is supported by their xG figures of 2.04 and 2.10 respectively, compared with a league average of 3.07 goals per game. In their last five matches, the hosts scored 10 goals and the visitors 11, averaging 2.0 and 2.2 goals per game respectively. At least two goals were scored in all of Zulte-Waregem’s matches so far and in 50% of Charleroi’s fixtures, while both teams have scored at least once in every match they have played. The Over 1.5 goals line is therefore the strongest supported by the data, although the visitors’ solid defence, conceding an average of 0.5 goals, slightly limits the edge for higher goal lines.

A draw at half-time is the most likely starting point, as Zulte-Waregem were level at the break in 60% of their last five matches, while Sporting Charleroi recorded the same outcome in as many as 80%. The hosts have recently averaged only 0.6 goals before half-time, compared with Charleroi’s 1.0, although neither side has a clear first-half advantage. After the interval, the visitors present a very strong profile: in away matches, they average 1.5 goals scored and concede none, winning the second half in 100% of their appearances so far. Charleroi have also won 80% of their last five matches, with an average xG of 2.10 compared with 2.04 for Zulte-Waregem. The HT/FT scenario of a draw at half-time and an away win at the final whistle best combines a cautious opening with Charleroi’s greater efficiency in the second half.