Expect Lokeren Temse to line up in their usual 4-4-2, a shape built for solidity and quick transitions. Two banks of four, narrow when defending, then sudden bursts down the channels. The front two will feed off scraps and second balls, and they will not give Liège a moment's peace in possession. This is a side that knows exactly what it is: organised, aggressive, and ruthless on the counter.

Liège, likely in a 4-3-3, will try to dominate the ball and play through the thirds. Their midfield trio will look to control the tempo, but they will find little space between the lines. Lokeren's wide men will tuck in, forcing Liège wide, where crosses into a crowded box become a lottery. The away side's full-backs will push high, but that leaves gaps in behind — and Lokeren's strikers will be licking their lips at the space to run into.

The midfield dogfight will decide the game. If Liège can win the second balls and keep the ball moving quickly, they can stretch Lokeren. But if Lokeren's double pivot sits deep and frustrates, Liège will run out of ideas. Set pieces could be the great equaliser — Lokeren are dangerous from dead balls, and Liège have shown vulnerability defending them.