Union Saint-Gillois enters the match as clear favorites after a crushing 5-1 victory in the first round and comfortably leads the table. The team is in excellent form, unbeaten in 13 league matches. The home team's head-to-head record is entirely in their favor: Union have won all five of their last matches against Zulte-Waregem, and in 13 meetings since 2004, they have won nine times and lost only one. However, the hosts expended a lot of energy in their Champions League qualifier against Bodø-Glimt.
Zulte-Waregem also started the season with a 2-1 victory over Genk and have their own strengths: they are strong in finishing and counterattacking. The visitors score regularly and are unlikely to leave the field without a goal, especially since Union have conceded in four of their last five matches. According to analytical data, the probability of a total over 2.5 goals is estimated at 70%, and five of Zulte-Waregem's last six matches have seen over 2.5 goals. The hosts are also competing in European qualifying, which could impact their concentration and increase the visitors' chances of not only scoring but also maintaining an acceptable lead.
