Genk vs Malmo: Predictions, Team News, Lineups Preview
In the concluding match of the Europa League league phase, Genk hosts Swedish club Malmo, who have struggled throughout the competition. Genk has already secured a playoff spot, while Malmo seeks to avoid finishing last in their group.
Match Preview
Genk’s recent form shows inconsistency in the Jupiler Pro League. They currently sit 11th in the standings, having accumulated only 26 points from 22 matches. Conversely, their performance in the Europa League has been more promising, with four wins in seven encounters.
Malmo enters the match after a disappointing campaign. They have managed just one draw and six losses in their seven Europa League matches, placing them second to last with only one point. Tied to this dismal showing, Malmo’s league performance in the Allsvenskan saw them finish sixth, failing to qualify for European tournaments next season.
Recent Performances
Both teams come into this match with mixed results. Genk has won three of their last four Europa League games, whereas they remain winless in their last four home matches across all competitions. For Malmo, their league season ended on a low note, marked by a recent 1-0 loss to Crvena Zvezda.
Managerial Changes
This match also marks Miguel Angel Ramirez’s second game in charge of Malmo after they parted ways with Anes Mravac due to the team’s poor performance. Ramirez aims to motivate the squad to avoid another loss before a month-long break.
Team News
Genk’s head coach Nicky Hayen is expected to make adjustments, with top scorer Hyun-Gyu Oh and Yira Sor likely starting in the attack. Malmo faces several absences, including Gabriel Busanello due to suspension, alongside injuries affecting Otto Rosengren, Ricardo Friedrich, and Jens Stryger Larsen. Former Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson will anchor Malmo’s defense.
Predicted Lineups
| Genk | Malmo |
|---|---|
| Lawal | Ellborg |
| El Ouahdi | Karlsson |
| Sadick | Jansson |
| Smets | Rosler |
| Medina | Djuric |
| Heynen | Bolin |
| Heymans | Lundbergh |
| Ito | Busuladzic |
| Karetsas | Haksabanovic |
| Sor | Botheim |
| Oh | Ali |
Predictions
Given their performance and form, Genk is favored to secure a victory against Malmo. We anticipate a final score of 3-0 in favor of Genk. The team aims to leverage its strengths and end the league phase on a high note before the playoffs commence.