Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Sat firmly in the driving seat to extend on their Europa League adventure on Thursday night, Genk will welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Cegeka Arena.
Genk
Starting with the hosts, putting in a thumping first-leg performance on foreign soil last week as they secured a deserved 3-1 victory in Croatia, Genk will be dreaming of a repeat display here. However, falling to a shock 3-0 drumming at the hands of domestic foes St. Liege, Nicky Hayen’s side will be searching for an immediate response on Thursday night. Nevertheless, winning each of their other four appearances across all competitions, the former Club Brugge boss will now be hoping for some much-welcomed defensive stability. Along with registering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous seven consecutive outings, Genk have also recorded just a sole clean sheet in front of their own supporters since the end of October.
Genk Team News
Ahead of Thursday’s return to the Cegeka Arena, Genk have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Bagging a surprise first-leg brace over in Croatia last week, Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi will start at right-back.
Registering seven direct goal contributions (five goals, two assists) in his nine appearances across all competitions so far this calendar year, Daan Heymans could play a leading role in the middle of the park. Reportedly attracting plenty of European interest, 22-year-old Matte Smets will start at the heart of Genk’s defence.
Dinamo Zagreb
As for the visitors, opening their Europa League play-off adventure pencilled in as a standout contender on home soil, Dinamo Zagreb were confident of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage. However, largely blown away at the Stadion Maksimir, Mario Kovacevic’s side have an almighty job on their hands when they travel over to Belgium on Thursday night. Despite claiming an immediate domestic boost over the weekend as they secured a routine 4-0 victory against Varazdin, Zagreb have shown some European issues on foreign soil. Signing off their group stage campaign with a 2-0 loss against Midtjylland on January 29th, Kovacevic’s men have recorded just a sole win from any of their four Europa League showdowns on the road during this season’s tournament.
Dinamo Zagreb Team News
Struggling to find his feet after completing a shock loan switch from Italian giants AC Milan last summer, Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer will once again miss out here with a muscle issue. Likewise, former Granada defender Raul Torrente remains on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Completing an emotional return to Zagreb during the January transfer window, Fenerbahce loanee Dominik Livakovic will start between the sticks here. Scotland international and ex-Nottingham Forest star Scott McKenna will start at the heart of Kovacevic’s defence.
Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb Key Factors to Consider
- When Genk and Dinamo Zagreb met for their first-leg showdown over in Croatia last week, Thursday’s hosts stormed their way to a shock 3-1 victory.
- Genk have recorded just a sole clean sheet on home soil since the end of October.
- Dinamo Zagreb have recorded just a single Europa League win on foreign soil during this season’s tournament.
- Daan Heymans has registered seven direct goal contributions (five goals, two assists) in his nine appearances across all competitions so far this calendar year.
- The three historic Europa League battles between Genk and Dinamo Zagreb have produced nine goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Putting in a shock first-leg performance on foreign soil last week as they stormed their way to an empathic 3-1 victory, Genk will be looking to extend on their Europa League adventure with another statement. However, registering just a single clean sheet in front of their own supporters since the end of October, Thursday’s hosts have struggled to find any real defensive steel. It should also be highlighted, the three historic Europa League showdowns between Genk and Dinamo Zagreb producing nine goals at both ends of the pitch, we could be treated to another enjoyable battle here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet