Preview:Lech Poznan vs. Genk - prediction, team news, lineups

Lech Poznan and Genk are both in underwhelming form ahead of the first leg of the Europa League playoff round at Poznan Stadium on Thursday.

While the defending Polish champions initially took part in Champions League qualifying, Niels Frederiksen’s team could not get past Red Star Belgrade in the third round, thus setting up a tie with their Belgian counterparts, who are aiming to reach the tournament proper since 2021-22.

Match preview

Lech Poznan have not played any continental football since the 2022-23 season, when the Poznan Locomotive reached the quarter-finals of the second season of the Conference League, progressing to the quarter-finals before falling to Fiorentina.

Although they beat Fiorentina 3-2 in Florence, that victory mattered little because of a 4-1 home defeat, meaning that the Polish club lost 6-4 on aggregate.

Their European absence has not been for want of effort, having reached the third qualifying round of the same competition in 2023-24 only to fall 4-3 on aggregate to Spartak Trnava.

Even though last season they missed Europe altogether, winning the league title in 2024-25 — their ninth top-flight championship — earned them entry into the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

However, losing to Red Star Belgrade in the third round means they now need positive results in both legs against Genk to reach the Europa League group stage.

Despite this goal being within reach, Frederiksen’s team have had a mixed start to their title defence, with a win rate of just 50% in their four games, leaving them on seven points and six behind current leaders Wisla Plock, albeit having played one game fewer.

Kolejorz go into Thursday's first leg without a win in their last three fixtures across all competitions, a run they hope to end in front of their home supporters.

Under normal circumstances, Genk would be confident about their prospects before Thursday’s match at Poznan Stadium.

However, Thorsten Fink’s side enter the playoff round after just one win from four in the Belgian top division, suffering two defeats in that period.

Supporters remain optimistic that their team can capitalise on their recent 2-1 victory over Leuven, following two 2-1 losses against Club Brugge and Standard Liege, and a 1-1 draw at home to Antwerp.

The lack of clean sheets in all competitive matches so far is concerning, and Fink's side have no guarantees of keeping Lech Poznan at bay on Thursday.

Having last appeared in European football during the 2023-24 Conference League, a positive result in Poland could see the Smurfs qualify for the Europa League group stage, a competition they have not played in since 2021-22.

Lech Poznan form (all competitions):

Genk form (all competitions):

Team News

The Pride of Greater Poland are expected to be without Daniel Hakans, Patrik Walemark and Radoslaw Murawski through injury.

Despite Lech Poznan's inconsistent league start, Mikael Ishak has scored three goals in four matches, with one assist, bringing his total goal involvements to four.

Joel Pereira's two assists highlight his threat from full-back in attacking positions, and the Portuguese winger aims to contribute when he advances forward.

While Andi Zeqiri's ankle injury makes him doubtful for the away side, Daan Heymans is expected to be sidelined until September with a similar issue.

Zakaria El Ouahdi has surprisingly scored 60% of the Belgian side's five league goals so far from full-back, and the two-goal hero in the 2-1 win against Leuven hopes to continue his unexpected run.

Along with El Ouahdi, Jarne Steuckers’s threat on the right flank has already resulted in two assists, demonstrating the danger the Smurfs carry from their right side.

Last season's 23-goal forward Tolu Arokodare, who has recently been linked with a move to Napoli, has yet to start for the Belgian side in the league this term, and it remains to be seen if the Nigeria international is trusted from the outset on Thursday.

Lech Poznan possible starting lineup:

Mrozek; Pereira, Skrzypczak, Milic, Gurgul; Thordarson, Jagiello; Bengtsson, Palma, Lisman; Ishak

Genk possible starting lineup:

Lawal; El Ouahdi, Sadick, Smers, Ditu; Bangoura, Heynen; Steuckers, Karetsas, Sor; Oh

We say: Lech Poznan 2-1 Genk

Despite Genk’s attacking threat on the right flank, the absence of goals from their forwards so far could limit their chances of grabbing a positive result in Poznan.

Therefore, while a draw might not be unexpected, the defending Polish champions are predicted to secure a narrow victory over the Belgian side.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.