Oud-Heverlee Leuven's squad configuration this season appears to be average, with the departure of forward Marcus Thuram significantly impacting the team. Furthermore, key players are missing, including the first-choice left-back, Bensebaini, who is not in the matchday squad. A major issue for the team this season has been their defense, conceding 14 goals in six matches. They have lost all three home games, but those defeats were against title-contending teams, making the losses less surprising. In this match, the team sees a glimmer of hope for a positive result. The forward players are highly motivated to score. Cercle Brugge recently defeated a top team 2-0 at home, ending a three-match losing streak and regaining third place in the league with a two-point advantage over a strong team. In other recent matches, they drew 0-0 at home against a team with good form, won 1-0 at home against a weaker opponent, and drew 0-0 against a mid-table team at home. The head coach was dissatisfied with these performances and has integrated some young, energetic players from the youth team into the first team to increase competition. Cercle Brugge must play aggressively in this match.