Prediction: Genk vs Liverpool

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/7

Bookmaker: bet365

The Champions League is back in our lives as we reach the half way point of what is already turning out to be a thrilling season of group stage action. There have been surprise contenders rising up and notable giants failing to pick up the results they require which, in many ways, sounds like another day at the office for the UCL. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at something of a David vs Goliath encounter as Genk prepare to host Liverpool at the Luminus Arena.

Genk

Genk are forever positioned as the underdogs within European football, and it certainly seems as if that mantra suits them just fine. They’ve got a solid core throughout their squad which has seemingly created a pretty cohesive unit, and it definitely feels like they’ve got a lot of room left to grow. Things haven’t gone particularly well in the early stages of their own domestic league, which should open the door for a ‘throw everything against the wall and see what sticks’ performance against the Reds.

Team News

Vukovic is ruled out of this game for Genk, but throughout the remainder of the squad, the expectation is that they’ll name a fairly similar side to the one that was able to pick up a point against Napoli.

Liverpool

Just a few months on from their Champions League success in Madrid, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have struggled to get off to a firing start in the competition this time around. They’ve got the potential to win the whole thing yet again, but their focus is obviously going to be diverted ever so slightly given that they’re in pole position in the race to become Champions of England. Still, they’ve got quality oozing out of their entire squad, and they’ll see this as a huge opportunity to secure their place in the top two.

Team News

Salah isn’t expected to be risked after missing out against United with an ankle injury. Origi will be hoping to feature against his former club, whereas Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallana are being backed to appear after strong showings on Sunday.

Factors to Consider

• Liverpool are currently 2nd in the group, whereas Genk are situated in 4th.
• Genk have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Genk have scored eight goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 12 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Genk are going to put up a fight as they did against Napoli, but in the end, it just isn’t going to matter. Liverpool will be putting everything they’ve got into bouncing back from the draw against Manchester United, and so they should. They’re the Champions of Europe for a reason and surrendering that title isn’t going to be something they’ll do lightly. We think they’ll take an early lead and be off to the races, putting their Belgian opposition to the sword in the process.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 2/7

Bookmaker: bet365