Genk vs Standard Liège Prediction: Genk are expected to clinch a 2-0 victory over Standard Liège in their home opener, leveraging their historical advantage at the Cegeka Arena.
The Cegeka Arena in Genk is set to host a pivotal Belgian Pro League encounter as KRC Genk welcomes Standard Liège on Sunday, July 28, 2024. This match marks the opening fixture of the 2024-25 season for both teams, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 AM local time.
Match Details
| Match | Genk vs Standard Liege |
| Competition | First Division A |
| Date | July 28, 2024 |
| Time | 11:30 AM UTC |
| Venue | Cegeka Arena (Genk) |
Match Preview
Both Genk and Standard Liège enter this contest with aspirations to improve upon their previous season’s performances. Genk, who finished sixth in the regular season and fifth in the championship playoffs last term, will be eager to reclaim their status as title contenders. The appointment of Thorsten Fink as their new permanent manager signals their intent to challenge for top honors.
Standard Liège, on the other hand, endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, finishing 10th in the league. Under the guidance of Ivan Leko, who took charge in January 2024, the team will be looking to kickstart their season with a positive result away from home.
Genk vs Standard Liège Lineups
Predicted Genk Lineup (4-3-3): Sadick, Smets, Penders, Karetsas, Baah, Ditu, Fadera, Bangoura, Oh, Arokodare, Nkuba
Predicted Standard Liège Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sutalo, Hautekiet, Ghalidi, Price, Bolingoli, O’Neill, Fossey, Kyei, Noubi, Epolo, Ziani
Team News and Injury Updates
Genk’s Absentees:
Thorsten Fink faces several challenges in his team selection for the season opener:
- Luca Oyen: The young midfielder remains sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury. His return is not expected until late autumn.
- Jarne Steuckers: Nursing an ankle complaint, the attacking midfielder’s participation hangs in the balance.
- Bilal El Khannouss: The talented Moroccan international will miss the match due to his commitments with the national team.
These absences may force Fink to reshuffle his midfield, potentially giving opportunities to less experienced players.
Standard Liège’s Fitness Concerns:
Ivan Leko’s squad also faces uncertainty regarding key players:
- Arnaud Bodart: The first-choice goalkeeper is battling to recover from a recent injury, leaving his availability in doubt.
- Nathan Ngoy: The defender’s fitness is being closely monitored, with a late decision expected on his involvement.
- Souleyman Doumbia: The midfielder’s participation is uncertain due to illness, potentially weakening Liège’s options in the center of the park.
These potential absences could force Leko to dig deep into his squad, possibly altering his preferred tactical setup for the match.
Where to Watch
Fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN+ and the ESPN App. For viewers in Belgium, the match will be broadcast on Proximus PickxPlay Sports, DAZN Pro League 1, DAZN Belgium, and Sporza.
Genk vs Standard Liège Live Streaming and TV Schedule for Other Countries:
- Germany: Sport1 +
- Netherlands: Ziggo Sport, Ziggo Sport 2
- Portugal: DAZN Portugal, DAZN Eleven 1 Portugal
- Spain: Gol Stadium
- Japan: DAZN Japan
- Canada: DAZN Canada
Form Guide and Statistics
Genk’s pre-season form has been less than ideal, with just one win in their last five matches. They’ve lost two and drawn two during this period, raising concerns about their readiness for the new campaign.
Standard Liège’s recent form under Ivan Leko has been equally worrying, with only three wins from their last 20 matches across all competitions.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical head-to-head record favors Genk, especially in recent encounters at the Cegeka Arena. Standard Liège have failed to secure a victory in their last four visits to Genk, suffering three consecutive defeats.
Current Standings
As this is the opening fixture of the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League season, both teams start with a clean slate. However, based on last season’s final standings, Genk (6th) finished higher than Standard Liège (10th).
Who Will Win?
Given Genk’s home advantage and their superior recent record against Standard Liège, they enter this match as favorites. However, both teams’ inconsistent form adds an element of unpredictability to the encounter.
Genk vs Standard Liege Prediction: Genk 2-0 Standard Liège
The hosts’ stronger squad depth and home support could prove decisive in securing a victory to start their campaign on a positive note.
Key Players to Watch
For Genk, keep an eye on Tolu Arokodare, who was their top scorer last season with 12 goals in 40 league appearances. His presence up front could be crucial in breaking down the Standard Liège defense.
Standard Liège will be looking to their new signing, Grejohn Kyei, to lead the line and provide the goalscoring threat they lacked last season.
This opening day clash promises to be an intriguing battle as both teams aim to set the tone for their respective campaigns in the Belgian Pro League.
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