Royal Charleroi Sporting Club vs Westerlo

Sporting Charleroi and KVC Westerlo square off in the Conference League playoff group, sitting third and fourth respectively with European spots still within reach. Three points here could be decisive in the closing rounds. Charleroi arrive on the back of three straight wins, including a 1-0 away victory over Royal Antwerp. Playmaker Patrick Pflücke has been in fine creative form, leading the side with 15 big chances created this season. Westerlo have been inconsistent — their 3-0 collapse at Genk last week is a concern — though Nacho Ferri consistently threatens at the other end with 1.3 shots on target per match. Injury news further complicates Westerlo's task, with Eliot Bujupi, Enis Destan, Reda Laalaoui, and Bakary Haidara all ruled out. Charleroi are missing Massamba Sow and must manage Parfait Guiagon's yellow card accumulation carefully. Notably, Westerlo have won both of their most recent meetings against Charleroi, each finishing 2-0. Home form and current momentum tilt this firmly toward the hosts, but Westerlo's recent head-to-head edge keeps it interesting. Our prediction: 2-1.