Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb: Europa League Playoff Showdown – Preview, Predictions & Team News
Fighting for a coveted spot in the Europa League’s round of 16, Belgian side Genk will host Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb at Cegeka Arena on Thursday for the second leg of their knockout playoff. Genk currently holds the advantage after a 3-1 victory in the first leg, but Dinamo Zagreb are determined to stage a comeback and upset the odds.
Genk’s Recent Form & Challenges
Racing Genk finished strongly in the league phase and entered this clash in good form overall. However, a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Standard Liege on Sunday halted their momentum. This loss prevented them from climbing into the top six of the Belgian Pro League. Adding to their concerns, key player Konstantinos Karetsas suffered a concussion late in the match and will be unavailable for this crucial encounter.
Despite the setback, this was only Genk’s first loss in eight matches, following a commendable five-game winning streak across all competitions, which included their impressive first-leg win. In that initial clash, Genk took an early two-goal lead thanks to goals from midfielder Bryan Heynen and right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi. Dinamo Zagreb managed to pull one back before halftime, but El Ouahdi secured the victory with a third goal in the 90th minute.
However, Genk’s home form has been inconsistent this season, with only two wins at Cegeka Arena since November, alongside four losses and two draws. Despite this, some fans point to their near qualification for the round of 16 automatically – finishing level on points with Roma – as evidence of their team’s capabilities.
Dinamo Zagreb’s Fight for Survival
Mario Kovacevic’s Dinamo Zagreb face an uphill battle, not only due to the first-leg deficit but also considering their overall performance in the Europa League thus far. They scraped into the knockout playoff round, finishing 23rd in the league phase, just one point ahead of Young Boys, who were eliminated.
However, dismissing Dinamo’s chances would be a mistake. Their loss against Genk was their only defeat in the last five games. They’ve also kept an impressive three clean sheets in their four most recent outings and have scored at least three goals in a single game on three occasions this month, demonstrating their attacking potential. A fourth such performance on Thursday could see them through.
Dinamo Zagreb are currently enjoying a strong run of form in the Croatian HNL, leading the table by five points over second-placed Hajduk Split. This domestic success will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they travel to Belgium. Furthermore, they’ve lost only once away from home since the end of November, winning four times and drawing once.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Genk have a generally fit squad, but Konstantinos Karetsas will miss the match due to his concussion. Junya Ito is expected to start on the right wing alongside striker Aaron Bibout and fellow winger Yaimar Medina.
Genk possible starting lineup: Lawal; El Ouahdi, Sadick, Smets, Kayembe; Heymans, Heynen, Steuckers; Ito, Bibout, Medina
Dinamo Zagreb will be without striker Dion Beljo, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the first leg. Loanee midfielder Ismael Bennacer is also sidelined with a calf injury.
Dinamo Zagreb possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Valincic, McKenna, Dominguez, Perez Vinlof; Stojkovic, Misic, Zajc; Topic, Bakrar, Hoxha
Looking Ahead
Genk have been strong in the Europa League recently and will be eager to put their domestic disappointment behind them. However, Dinamo Zagreb are likely to provide a stern test, and even if Genk progresses, this game could be closer than expected without the presence of Karetsas. For more in-depth analysis and predictions, check out WhoScored.com.
Written by Anthony Nolan
