Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, but the profiles differ sharply. Lommel's shape is built on a double pivot that screens the back four and lets the full-backs push high. The front four — with runners like van Duiven and Appuah — knife through lines on the counter. They'll look to exploit the half-spaces between Westerlo's midfield and defence. At home, they'll press high and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Westerlo's 4-2-3-1, with Sakamoto and Saito wide, wants to keep the ball and play through the thirds, but their recent results show they get caught on the break far too often.

The midfield dogfight will decide the tempo. Lommel's pivot of Pelupessy and Nypan is combative and tidy; they'll look to suffocate Westerlo's creators. Westerlo's van den Keybus and Haspolat have energy but lack discipline — they've been overrun in recent away games. Wide areas are key: Lommel's full-backs will bomb on, while Westerlo's wide men track back reluctantly. Set pieces could be a leveller — Westerlo have height in Neustädter and Bayram, but Lommel's delivery from dead balls has been a weapon in their recent wins.