Kortrijk will host Gent at the Guldensporenstadion on Sunday as both teams aim for a strong start to the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League season. Kortrijk, having narrowly avoided relegation last season, will look to improve under the guidance of Freyr Alexandersson, who took charge in January 2024.
Gent, on the other hand, finished seventh in the regular season and topped the Europa Conference League playoff group, securing a spot in the qualifying rounds for this season's European competition.
Team Form
Kortrijk
Kortrijk had a challenging previous season, finishing 15th in the league and battling through the relegation playoffs.
They secured their top-flight status by winning the relegation/promotion playoff final against Lommel SK.
Freyr Alexandersson's side showed resilience and determination, and they will look to carry that momentum into the new season.
Gent
Gent ended the regular season in seventh place, narrowly missing out on the championship playoffs due to goal difference.
However, they excelled in the Europa Conference League playoffs, finishing nine points clear of KV Mechelen.
They have started the current season strongly with a 4-1 victory against Vikingur Gota in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Team News
Kortrijk
Kortrijk will miss last season's top scorer Isaak Davies, who has returned to Cardiff City after his loan.
The team will rely on Thierry Ambrose, who scored a hat-trick in the relegation/promotion playoff final, and Abdelkahar Kadri, who contributed significantly last season with five goals and four assists.
Probable Starting XI: Pirard; Mehssatou, Mampasi, Silva, Fujii, El Idrissy; Bruno, Sissako, Kadri; Ambrose, Afolabi
Gent
Gent's Wouter Vrancken is likely to stick with the team that defeated Vikingur Gota.
Hyun-Seok Hong, who scored twice in that match, will be a key player, alongside Daisuke Yokota and Franck Surdez.
New signing Andri Gudjohnsen is expected to lead the line.
Probable Starting XI: Roef; Fadiga, Watanabe, Mitrovic, Fortuna; De Sart, Kums; Yokota, Hong, Surdez; Gudjohnsen
Prediction
Given Gent's recent form and their unbeaten record against Kortrijk since September 2021, they are favourites to win this match.
Kortrijk's home advantage and fighting spirit might make it a competitive game, but Gent's superior squad depth and quality should see them through.
Our Prediction: Kortrijk 1-2 Gent
KAA Gent 
Kortrijk 
