Genk vs Antwerp – News and Probable Lineups

Genk aims to secure a vital victory as they host Royal Antwerp at the Cegeka Arena on Tuesday.

The home team currently leads the Europe playoffs in the Belgian Pro League, whereas the visitors find themselves in fifth place and are no longer in the running.

Match overview

With only two matches left, Genk is well-positioned to qualify for the European competition playoff match, which could potentially earn them a place in the Conference League.

Nicky Hayen’s squad is currently tied on points with Standard Liege, after a 0-0 draw with them on Saturday.

Genk enters Tuesday’s fixture with confidence, having defeated Antwerp 2-1 last month, with Daan Heymans netting twice.

The four-time Belgian Pro League winners have also only experienced one setback in the playoffs thus far, losing 2-0 to Royal Charleroi.

Genk holds a solid recent record against Antwerp, with just two losses in their last ten encounters in all competitions.

On the other hand, Antwerp has suffered three consecutive losses and cannot qualify for the European competition playoffs as a result.

Manager Joseph Oosting was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat against OH Leuven in their last match on Friday, which followed a 1-0 loss to Charleroi and a 5-0 defeat to Standard Liege in recent weeks.

Faris Haroun has once again taken over as interim head coach, having previously served in that role in November after Stef Wils was ousted.

Haroun led the team to a surprising 1-0 win over Club Brugge in his only previous match and will aim for another unexpected victory on Tuesday.

Team News

Genk must make at least one change as Noah Adedeji-Sternberg has sustained a muscle injury against Standard Liege, with Ayumu Yokoyama expected to step in for him.

Ibrahima Sory Bangoura is also anticipated to miss the match due to a head injury, potentially allowing Nikolas Sattlberger to take his place in midfield.

As for Antwerp, they will hope that captain Vincent Janssen can regain his form after failing to score in his last six league appearances.

The former Tottenham striker is likely to remain up front alongside Gyrano Kerk, while Dennis Praet is set to take his position in midfield with Xander Dierckx.

Genk probable starting XI:

Brughmans; El Ouahdi, Smets, Kongolo, Kayembe; Ito, Sattlberger, Heynen, Yokoyama; Bout, Mirisola

Royal Antwerp probable starting XI:

Nozawa; Foulon, Van Den Bosch, Tsunashima; Somers, Dierckx, Praet, Tuypens; Scott; Janssen, Church

Since Antwerp has nothing to fight for and their recent performances have been poor, we anticipate that Genk will secure a crucial victory.