Head-to-Head History: A Balanced Rivalry
The history between Sporting Charleroi and KV Mechelen paints a picture of a closely contested rivalry. Across 49 total matches played, Mechelen holds a marginal lead with 20 victories to Charleroi’s 17, while 12 encounters have ended in a draw. On average, these matches have seen 2.84 goals scored per game, indicating a tendency for open and engaging contests.
Looking at their five most recent meetings, the results have been varied, often favoring the home side but with notable exceptions:
- 18/05/2025: Mechelen 1-1 Charleroi
- 19/04/2025: Charleroi 3-0 Mechelen
- 08/03/2025: Charleroi 0-1 Mechelen
- 31/08/2024: Mechelen 5-2 Charleroi
- 27/12/2023: Charleroi 3-1 Mechelen
These recent fixtures include a high-scoring thriller where Mechelen convincingly beat Charleroi 5-2, and a dominant 3-0 home victory for Charleroi. Such outcomes highlight the unpredictability and potential for explosive attacking displays when these two teams meet.
Current Form & Team News
Sporting Charleroi
Charleroi enters this match in commendable form, sitting 6th in the Pro League table after 8 matches. Their last five league outings reflect a strong, albeit slightly inconsistent, run: L-W-W-W-D.
- 20/09/2025: Charleroi 1-2 Zulte Waregem (L)
- 17/09/2025: Genk 0-1 Charleroi (W)
- 14/09/2025: Cercle Brugge 2-3 Charleroi (W)
- 30/08/2025: Charleroi 3-1 FCV Dender EH (W)
- 17/08/2025: Charleroi 1-1 Royal Antwerp (D)
The Zebras have shown a good scoring touch, with Parfait Guiagon leading the charge with 4 goals, supported by Patrick Pflucke, Aurelien Scheidler, Antoine Bernier, and Cheick Keita, each contributing 2 goals. Etienne Camara has been their primary creative force, tallying 3 assists.
In terms of team news, Charleroi has been dealing with some injury concerns. Yacine Titraoui and Parfait Guiagon were previously sidelined, but their inclusion in predicted lineups suggests they may be fit or nearing a return. Aiham Ousou also features in the predicted lineup despite previous injury mentions, indicating he is likely available. Massamba Sow and T. Defourny remain a concern.
KV Mechelen
Mechelen also comes into this fixture in good form, currently holding 5th position in the Pro League standings. Their recent five league matches show resilience and a knack for grinding out results: D-W-L-D-W.
- 12/09/2025: Standard Liege 1-1 Mechelen (D)
- 30/08/2025: Mechelen 3-2 UR La Louviere Centre (W)
- 24/08/2025: Royal Antwerp 2-1 Mechelen (L)
- 16/08/2025: Mechelen 1-1 Gent (D)
- 09/08/2025: K.V.C. Westerlo 0-1 Mechelen (W)
Lion Lauberbach is Mechelen’s leading scorer with 4 goals, while Kerim Mrabti and Rob Schoofs have each contributed 2 goals. Bilal Bafdili has been instrumental in creating chances, registering 3 assists.
Mechelen, however, faces a more significant injury list. Amine Ouahabi (torn knee ligaments), Keano Vanrafelghem (adductor injury), Tommy St. Jago (minor knock), Halil Özdemir (broken collarbone, expected return late October 2025), Maxim Kireev (abdominal injury), and Dikeni Salifou (unknown injury) are all reported to be out or doubtful. These absences could test Mechelen’s squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Tactical Preview
Charleroi is predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that emphasizes both defensive solidity in midfield and fluid attacking options through the three attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker. Their average possession stands at 45.9%, suggesting they might be comfortable ceding some possession and looking to strike on the counter or through quick transitions. With Parfait Guiagon’s goal-scoring prowess and Etienne Camara’s playmaking, Charleroi will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Mechelen through the middle or wide areas.
Mechelen, on the other hand, is expected to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation. This system allows for strong wing-back play, potentially overloading Charleroi’s flanks, and a central attacking midfielder supporting two strikers. Mechelen typically enjoys more possession, averaging 51.2%, indicating a preference for controlling the tempo of the game and building attacks from the back. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Mechelen’s Fredrik Hammar and Mathis Servais likely looking to dominate the central areas against Charleroi’s Yacine Titraoui and Etienne Camara. The attacking partnership of Lion Lauberbach and Benito Raman could pose a significant threat to Charleroi’s defense, especially with Kerim Mrabti operating behind them.
Playing at Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Charleroi will benefit from familiar surroundings and home crowd support, which can often be a decisive factor in closely fought contests. The weather conditions on Saturday, September 28, 2025, are unlikely to present significant challenges, allowing both teams to execute their game plans without hindrance.
