Genk vs Royal Antwerp predictions ahead of this Belgian Pro League affair. Two teams in disappointing form, Genk and Royal Antwerp, will clash in the Belgian Pro League at Cegeka Arena on Monday evening. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
Belgian Pro League | Gameweek 9 – May 20, 2024 at 5.30pm UK at Luminus Arena
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Genk vs Royal Antwerp Predictions
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Key Stats
– Genk have conceded 46 goals in 38 matches, highlighting their defensive struggles.
– Vincent Janssen has scored 17 goals this season, underlining his importance for Antwerp.
– Both teams have lost their last four league matches, showing their recent poor form.
Two teams struggling for form meet on Monday evening in the Belgian Pro League, with Genk welcoming Royal Antwerp to the Cegeka Arena. Genk, currently in fifth place in the Champions’ playoffs, face sixth-placed Royal Antwerp, who trail them by five points. Both teams have experienced disappointing runs, making this clash crucial for their standings and aspirations for European competition.
Genk’s Recent Struggles and Home Advantage
Genk enter this fixture on the back of four consecutive league defeats, a worrying trend for Wouter Vrancken’s side. Their record in the Champions’ playoffs reads three wins, one draw, and four losses from eight matches, leaving them in fifth place with 34 points. They are just two points behind fourth-placed Cercle Brugge, a position that guarantees a Europa League second qualifying round spot for the 2024-25 season.
Despite their poor form, Genk have shown glimpses of quality, particularly in their last home win against Anderlecht. However, consistency has eluded them, and their defence has been a major concern, conceding 46 goals in 38 matches. Offensively, Tolu Arokodare has been a bright spot, with 15 goals this season, and he will be pivotal in their attacking efforts against Royal Antwerp.
Royal Antwerp’s Title Hangover
Royal Antwerp, the reigning Belgian Pro League champions, have endured a difficult season. Mark van Bommel’s side sit in sixth place in the Champions’ playoffs, with a dismal record of one win and seven losses from eight games. They are currently on a five-game losing streak in all competitions, and their last victory came against Cercle Brugge in April.
Antwerp’s season has been marred by inconsistency and defensive frailties, having conceded 43 goals. Their attack, led by Vincent Janssen, who returns from suspension, has been the sole bright spot. Janssen’s 17 goals this season highlight his importance, and his performance will be crucial if Antwerp are to salvage anything from this match.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Genk
Genk will be without Luca Oyen due to a long-term knee injury, while Bryan Heynen, Yira Sor, and Aziz Ouattara are doubtful. Tolu Arokodare, the team’s leading scorer, will spearhead the attack, supported by Andi Zeqiri and Bilal El Khannouss. Genk’s lineup will need to be at its best to break their losing streak.
Expected Starting XI: Maarten Vandevoordt; Mujaid Sadick, Carlos Cuesta, Mark McKenzie; Zakaria El Ouahdi, Matías Galarza, Patrik Hrosovsky, Joris Kayembe Ditu; Andi Zeqiri, Bilal El Khannouss, Tolu Arokodare
Royal Antwerp
Royal Antwerp have doubts over Jean Butez and Bjorn Engels but will welcome back Vincent Janssen from suspension. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, who has five goals this season, will also be key in midfield. Van Bommel’s side will look to tighten their defence and make the most of their attacking opportunities.
Expected Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Ritchie De Laet, Toby Alderweireld, Zeno Van Den Bosch, Jelle Bataille; Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Michel Ange Balikwisha, Gyrano Kerk, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Jacob Ondrejka; Vincent Janssen
Tactical Analysis
Midfield Battle: Hrosovsky vs. Ekkelenkamp
The midfield battle will be critical in determining the match’s outcome. Genk’s Patrik Hrosovsky will need to control the tempo and distribution, while Royal Antwerp’s Jurgen Ekkelenkamp will look to disrupt and create scoring opportunities. This duel could be decisive in shaping the game’s flow.
Defensive Organisation: Cuesta vs. Janssen
Carlos Cuesta will be tasked with containing Vincent Janssen, a prolific forward for Royal Antwerp. Cuesta’s defensive awareness and positioning will be crucial in nullifying Janssen’s threat. Conversely, Janssen’s movement and finishing ability make him a constant danger.
Wing Play: El Khannouss vs. De Laet
Bilal El Khannouss’s creativity on the wing will be vital for Genk. His ability to deliver crosses and cut inside will pose a significant challenge to Antwerp’s Ritchie De Laet. Controlling this area will be crucial for both teams.
Gameplay Prediction
Both teams have shown vulnerability in defence and proficiency in attack, suggesting an open and high-scoring encounter. Genk, with home advantage, will look to press high and create chances, while Antwerp will aim to exploit any defensive lapses with quick counter-attacks.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle between Hrosovsky and Ekkelenkamp will be crucial, determining possession and the flow of the game. Cuesta vs. Janssen is another critical duel, with Genk needing to contain Antwerp’s main scoring threat. On the wings, El Khannouss’s creativity against De Laet’s defensive skills will be vital.
Predictions and Betting Angles
Best Bet: Draw
Considering the form and attacking capabilities of both teams, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Both sides have been inconsistent, and a balanced game is expected.
Correct Score Prediction: 1-1
With both teams struggling defensively but capable in attack, a 1-1 draw is a plausible result. This reflects their recent form and mutual challenges.
Goalscorer Prediction: Vincent Janssen
Vincent Janssen, returning from suspension, is likely to find the net. His goal-scoring form makes him a key player for Antwerp, and he will be eager to make an impact.
First Half Result: Draw
Given the cautious approach likely from both teams initially, a first-half draw is probable. Both sides will aim to avoid early mistakes.
Innovative Market Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals
Despite the attacking talents, both teams’ recent form suggests a lower-scoring game. Under 2.5 goals is a strong market, reflecting their defensive struggles and inconsistent performances.
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