**KSC Lokeren rolls into this one fresh off a demolition of RSCA Futures, while Gent's U23s are feeling themselves with back-to-back wins.** Both sides are genuinely streaky—expect an open, slightly chaotic Challenger Pro League afternoon. 🔥

Lokeren look the sharper outfit right now (that 6-2 away win is *chef's kiss*), but they're also prone to the shocker (0-3 to Francs Borains last time out). Gent's kids have steadied the ship and keep finding ways to nick results, even if they've lost **M. Samoise** to injury.

Key storylines:

- **Lokeren's attack** led by **V. Mabanza** and **M. D. Mbenga** needs to capitalize early; inconsistency has bitten them before
- **Gent's midfield three** of **O. Soroka**, **G. Vanderdonck**, and **R. Vydysh** will battle for control and tempo
- The missing **M. Samoise** leaves Gent's backline slightly thinner; **A. D. Sylla** and **P. Blondeel** must hold firm

Expected lineups:

- **KSC Lokeren**: S. Vervacke, J. Palacios, A. Spegelaere, J. Lietaert, M. Pau, R. V. d. Bergh, S. V. Aerschot, M. D. Mbenga, A. Brrou, V. Mabanza
- **KAA Gent Reserve U23**: B. Evers, A. D. Sylla, P. Blondeel, E. J. Simporé, G. D. Meyer, O. Soroka, G. Vanderdonck, R. Vydysh, A. Chaidron, A. Abdullahi

Prediction:

**Lokeren 2–1 Gent U23.** Lokeren's firepower edges it, but Gent will make them work for it. ⚽