Genk welcome Real Betis to Cegeka Stadium for a match-day three fixture in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. The Belgians are looking to snap out of a recent poor run at home, while the Spaniards are aiming to maintain their fine form.
Genk failed to build on a 1-0 victory at Rangers in their opening Europa League fixture as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Ferencvaros last time out. However, that has been their only blemish in recent weeks as they are unbeaten in four of their last five matches in all competitions, playing out a 2-2 draw at Circle Brugge last weekend.
The problem for Genk is a poor home record, having lost three of their last four matches at Cegeka Stadium. However, they did claim a 2-1 victory over Dender in their previous home fixture, and manager Thorsten Fink will be keen to build on that result.
Meanwhile, Real Betis are enjoying a fine start to the Europa League, having gone unbeaten in their opening two matches. After holding out for a 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest in their first match, Manuel Pellegrini's men earned a 2-1 victory at Lurogorets last time out.
Real Betis are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions, playing out a 2-2 La Liga draw at Villarreal last weekend. They have also done some good work on their travels, winning two of their last three away matches.
How the bookies view it: Betis with the edge
Real Bets have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Genk is valued at 17/10 while a draw is set at odds of 5/2.
Head to head: No previous meeting
This will be the first-ever meeting between Genk and Real Betis.
Players to watch: Eyes on Antony
Antony is beginning to find his feet for Real Betis this season, having scored three goals in his last four appearances. The forward will be the one to watch on Thursday (Antony anytime goalscorer – valued at 9/4 on BoyleSports).
Genk can also hold their own going forward and will look to Hyeon-Gyu Oh to provide the spark in this one. The attacker has five goals in all competitions this season (Hyeon-Gyu Oh anytime goalscorer – available at 2/1).
Probable line-ups:
Genk are without Zakaria El Ouahdi, who is currently sidelined with Injury. Matte Smets is expected to feature at the back for the Belgians, while Oh should lead the line once again.
Isco remains the only major injury absentee for Real Betis, with the midfielder still ruled out with a broken leg. Giovanni Lo Celso was a second-half substitute last weekend and could earn a start on Thursday, while Antony is also expected to feature in attack.
Genk: Van Crombrugge, Nkuba, Sadick, Smets, Kayembe, Bangoura, Heynen, Steukers, Hrosovsky, Sor, Oh.
Real Betis: Lopez, Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, Firpo, Amrabat, Fornals, Lo Celso, Antony, Hernandez, Ezzalzouli.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in three of Genk's last four matches (BTTS YES – offered at 8/13 on BoyleSports). Three of Real Betis’ last four away matches have produced over 2.5 goals (Over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 3/4).
Real Betis have scored first in two of their last three away matches (Real Betis to score first – valued at 20/23).
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