Union SG are set to host Charleroi at the Stade Joseph Marien on Friday in the fourth round of the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League campaign.
The hosts enter the match on a three-game losing streak across all competitions, while their visitors have won their last three matches, including a friendly.
Match preview
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After lifting the Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge last month, Sebastien Pocognoli has endured a challenging start to life as Union SG manager.
The 37-year-old was unable to progress beyond the Champions League third qualifying round, suffering a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Slavia Prague, and has only secured one victory from his opening three league matches.
In their most recent Jupiler Pro League outing, Les Unionistes were unable to recover from a three-goal deficit, ultimately losing 4-3 to Westerlo – a result that left them in eighth place with four points from three games.
A particular area of concern for Pocognoli is his side's defensive vulnerability, as they have conceded nine goals in their last four matches, despite scoring seven themselves.
Addressing these defensive issues and returning to winning ways will be Union SG's primary focus when they face Charleroi on Friday, though recent head-to-head records offer encouragement.
Les Unionistes have won the last six encounters between the two sides by an aggregate score of 15-2, conceding in only two of those matches.
However, Charleroi have shown signs of improvement this season, collecting six points from three games despite losing their opening match.
Rik De Mil's side have bounced back strongly from their defeat to Antwerp, securing victories over Sint-Truiden and Gent, which has lifted them to fifth place in the table.
The Zebras will be looking to maintain their positive start to the season and extend their four-game winning run on the road in the league, which dates back to the previous campaign.
However, their record at Union SG's ground is less impressive, with just two wins from seven visits and five defeats, casting a bit of doubt on their ability to pick up a win here.
Team News
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Manager Pocognoli was sent off during the defeat to Westerlo and will be absent from the touchline for this match.
English defenders Ross Sykes and Christian Burgess are both sidelined with foot injuries, while Lazare Amani is also nursing a knock.
Meanwhile, Charleroi will be without 24-year-old Algerian forward Nadir Benbouali, who is sidelined after carrying a knock.
Daan Heymans has scored three goals for the visitors in as many appearances this season, the most in the team, making him the key player to watch.
Union SG possible starting lineup:
Moris; Castro-Montes, Mac Allister, Machida, Leysen; Rasmussen, Sadiki, Vanhouette; Puertas; Eckert Ayensa, Rodriguez
Charleroi possible starting lineup:
Kone; Petris, Keita, Andreou, Dragsnes; Camara, Zorgane; Bernier, Heymans, Guiagon; Sylla
We say: Union SG 2-2 Charleroi
Union SG's start to this campaign has been far from smooth, but their attacking quality is still evident despite a shaky defence, and this could help them secure something from this match.
Charleroi have been solid in recent weeks, but their record against the hosts casts doubt on their ability to win here, which is why we are predicting a draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
