Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb: Predictions, Team News, and Lineups Preview
In a crucial Europa League knockout playoff, Belgian club Genk will host Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb at the Cegeka Arena on Thursday. The match is the second leg of their playoff tie, with Genk entering this stage with a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
Match Overview
Genk enters this match following a mixed performance in their recent league display. Their latest outing saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat against Standard Liege, which disrupted a five-game winning streak across all competitions. Prior to their loss, Genk had shown solid form, but the defeat leaves them in a precarious position in the Belgian Pro League, hindering their push for a top-six finish.
In the initial leg, Genk started strongly, scoring twice from midfielder Bryan Heynen and right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi. Although Dinamo reduced the deficit shortly before half-time, Genk’s third goal from Ouahdi in stoppage time gave them a comfortable lead.
Genk’s Home Performance
- Genk has struggled at home this season.
- They have only secured two home wins since November.
- Their home record includes four losses and two draws.
Dinamo Zagreb’s Current Standing
Dinamo Zagreb, managed by Mario Kovacevic, faces a challenging task after their first-leg loss. They have experienced inconsistency in the Europa League, finishing 23rd in the league phase and barely qualifying for the knockout round. However, they have shown resilience as they sit atop the Croatian HNL table, five points ahead of Hajduk Split.
Despite their struggles, Dinamo has performed admirably in recent matches. They have achieved three clean sheets in their last four games and scored over three goals in multiple outings this month. This offensive capability may prove crucial as they seek an upset.
Key Player Absences
- Genk will be without young forward Konstantinos Karetsas, who is sidelined due to a concussion.
- Dinamo’s Dion Beljo misses the match due to suspension, while Ismael Bennacer is out with a calf injury.
Projected Lineups
For this pivotal clash, here are the expected lineups:
Genk’s Potential Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Lawal
- Defenders: El Ouahdi, Sadick, Smets, Kayembe
- Midfielders: Heymans, Heynen, Steuckers
- Forwards: Ito, Bibout, Medina
Dinamo Zagreb’s Potential Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Livakovic
- Defenders: Valincic, McKenna, Dominguez, Perez Vinlof
- Midfielders: Stojkovic, Misic, Zajc
- Forwards: Topic, Bakrar, Hoxha
Match Prediction
With Genk’s recent form, they are poised to enter this match looking to overcome their domestic disappointment. However, Dinamo Zagreb’s competitive edge and determination may result in a tightly contested game. A predicted scoreline is a draw, with both teams likely to feature in a hard-fought battle.
