The second round of the relegation playoffs in the Jupiler Pro League brings an intriguing clash between Dender and Zulte-Waregem. Both sides have endured difficult campaigns and now face each other in a crucial encounter that could shape their survival hopes. After a long and challenging regular season, this fixture offers a chance for redemption and momentum in the battle to stay in the top flight.

Dender’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Dender have struggled throughout the season, finishing bottom of the regular phase with a record of 4 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats. Their average of 0.8 goals scored per match and 1.7 conceded highlights the difficulties they have faced at both ends of the pitch. However, the team showed signs of revival in their most recent outing, securing a vital 0-1 away win against La Louvière on April 6, 2026. That result ended a long winless streak and gave them a much-needed confidence boost heading into the playoffs.

In their last five matches, Dender have recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses, scoring an average of 0.8 goals while conceding 1.4. Despite their struggles, their home games have often been lively, with over 0.5 goals scored in the first half of each of their last 13 home matches. This trend suggests that Dender tend to start matches with attacking intent, even if results have not always gone their way.

• Season record: 4 wins, 10 draws, 17 defeats


• Average goals scored: 0.8 per match


• Average goals conceded: 1.7 per match


• Over 0.5 goals at half time in last 13 home matches


• Under 0.5 total goals in 2 of their last 10 league games

Currently ranked first in the relegation playoff group, Dender will look to build on their recent victory and make home advantage count. Their defensive organization will be key, but they must also find ways to convert chances more efficiently if they want to secure another positive result.

Zulte-Waregem’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Zulte-Waregem also endured a challenging regular season, finishing 13th in the Pro League standings, just two points above the relegation zone. Their campaign was marked by inconsistency, with 8 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats. The team averages 1.3 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per match, showing a slightly better attacking output than their upcoming opponents but also a tendency to concede regularly.

In their last five matches, Zulte-Waregem have managed 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw at home against Cercle Brugge on April 4, 2026, a match that demonstrated both their resilience and their defensive vulnerabilities. Before that, they ended the regular season with a morale-boosting win over Charleroi, which stopped a run of five consecutive defeats.

• Season record: 8 wins, 9 draws, 14 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.3 per match


• Average goals conceded: 1.6 per match


• Last match: 2-2 vs Cercle Brugge


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats

Ranked second in the playoff group, Zulte-Waregem will aim to capitalize on their attacking potential while tightening up defensively. Their ability to score away from home could prove decisive, especially against a Dender side that has often struggled to keep clean sheets.

Dender vs Zulte-Waregem Analysis and Head-to-Head

Historically, Zulte-Waregem have had the upper hand in this fixture. In their last five meetings, Dender have failed to win, recording 2 draws and 3 defeats. The most recent encounter ended 1-0 on February 7, 2026, in favor of Zulte-Waregem. On average, Dender have scored 1.0 goal per match in these head-to-heads, while conceding 2.0.

Given both teams’ recent performances, this match promises to be balanced and competitive. Dender’s home form and recent victory could give them confidence, but Zulte-Waregem’s slightly stronger attack and experience may help them create more chances. Both sides have shown defensive weaknesses, which could lead to an open game with opportunities at both ends.

Statistically, the win probabilities are close: Dender 35%, Draw 26%, and Zulte-Waregem 39%. The data also indicates a 53% probability for Both Teams To Score (Yes) and a nearly even split on total goals, with Under 2.5 goals at 51% and Over 2.5 goals at 49%. These numbers suggest a tight contest where both teams are likely to find the net but without an abundance of goals.

BetMines Prediction

Based on the available data and recent trends, the BetMines prediction for this match is Both Teams To Score (Yes) with a probability of 53%. Both Dender and Zulte-Waregem have shown the ability to score but also to concede regularly, making this market the most balanced and statistically supported outcome for this crucial relegation playoff encounter.