Preview: Genk vs. Eupen - prediction, team news, lineups

Genk seek back-to-back wins to start the Belgian Pro League season when they welcome Eupen to the Cegeka Arena on Saturday.

Last season's second-placed side crushed newly-promoted RWD Molenbeek 4-0 in gameweek one, while the visitors secured a 2-2 home draw with KVC Westerlo.

Match preview

Genk did not take it easy on RWD on the opening weekend of this season's Pro League, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead before sealing a 4-0 triumph.

The runners-up from last season claimed the win after goals from Alieu Fadera, Bryan Heynen, Daniel Munoz and Carlos Cuesta, putting them joint-top of an embryonic table.

Despite a mixed pre-season that began commendably but slowed down results-wise, with one victory from their final three tune-up games, they came out firing on day one.

However, it is uncertain if Wouter Vrancken's team have a Champions League hangover after a disappointing exit at the hands of 10-man Servette on Wednesday — the Swiss side had Enzo Crivelli dismissed after five minutes but rallied to win on penalties after it ended 3-3 on aggregate.

It remains to be seen if playing 120 minutes before the eventual heartbreak in the shootout plays on Genk's mind, but they seek to put that midweek hurt behind them on Saturday.

Eupen will hope to face disheartened and fatigued opponents this weekend, with the away side chasing an unexpected first win of the 2023-24 season.

Florian Kohfeldt's men suffered some disappointment in gameweek one after blowing a 2-0 lead against in gameweek one to draw 2-2, continuing a wretched run from last season that has seen them fail to win in 10 league matches.

Their last victory in the Pro League was a 2-1 triumph over KV Mechelen in February, a success that remains the Pandas' only league triumph in 2023.

That is relegation form, and Kohfeldt will be aware of that, as the new boss hopes to aim higher than last term when Eupen avoided relegation by a point.

The Pandas did secure a point the last time they faced Genk in February, but they would remember last season's corresponding fixture, which ended 4-2 to the division's eventual runners-up.

Genk Belgian Pro League form:

Genk form (all competitions):

Team News

Genk captain Heynen was in the wars after eight minutes on Wednesday, and the midfielder may miss out against Eupen this weekend.

Tolu Arokodare may return to the side to lead the home side's attack, and Mike Tresor could start ahead of Fadera on the left flank after the latter's goal and assist against Servette.

A 3-4-1-2 is anticipated from Kohfeldt, whose Eupen side seek their first-ever win at Genk since gaining promotion in 2010.

Yentl Van Genechten netted both goals in gameweek one's draw with Westerlo, and the left wing-back will hope to play a significant part on Saturday.

Kevin Mohwald, who went off injured with a foot injury on his debut for the Pandas, is likely ruled out of this weekend's game, while Bartosz Bialek is sidelined with a knee injury.

Vandevoordt; Munoz, Cuesta, McKenzie, Ditu; Hrosovsky, Mohammed; Paintsil, El Khannouss, Tresor; Arokodare

Nurudeen; Paeshuyse, Palsson, Davidson; Magnee, Lambert, Baiye, Genechten; Deom; Nuhu, Charles-Cook

We say: Genk 2-1 Eupen

Despite Wednesday's Champions League heartbreak — and a Europa League qualifying game with Olympiacos to come next week — Genk are expected to secure a customary home victory over Eupen on Saturday.