Shot totals are robust for both teams, with Anderlecht averaging nearly 15 shots per game and Gent not far behind. The volume of big chances created and missed by both sides underlines a match where finishing, not chance creation, is the limiting factor.

Defensive reliability is a question mark for both. Anderlecht have kept just 10 clean sheets in 31 matches, conceding 43 times, while Gent's away defense has shipped 26 in 15 road games. Neither side has the profile of a lock-down unit.

Recent head-to-heads trend toward open contests, and the last meeting finished 1-0 but saw both sides generate opportunities. In Brussels, Anderlecht's attack tends to find goals, but their defensive lapses mean a shutout is unlikely.

Momentum coming in is slightly with Gent, who sit higher in the playoff table and have the league's fourth-best attack. Anderlecht, despite a recent stumble, remain assertive at home and have a positive shot/goal ratio in their own stadium.

Injury news is relevant but not decisive. Anderlecht miss a midfielder, while Gent are without two, but neither absence removes the main creative or scoring outlets. Both managers favor proactive setups, so tactical conservatism is not expected.

Late-game goal patterns are pronounced, particularly for Gent who have scored 16 in the final quarter-hour. Fatigue and urgency in this playoff phase add further weight to the expectation of a busy scoresheet.

Market odds and fan sentiment lean Anderlecht but not overwhelmingly, and the split among external tipsters reflects the reality that result is much less certain than the likelihood of goals. The best angle stays with goals rather than siding with either team outright.