Prediction: Genk vs Servette

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who will be looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure on Wednesday evening, Genk will welcome Servette to the Cegeka Arena.

Genk

Starting with the hosts, while Genk might have been disappointed after eventually settling for a 1-1 draw away at Switzerland last week, the Smurfs will feel that they are sat firmly in pole position to extend on their qualifying adventure here. Although Wouter Vrancken’s men might have signed off the 2022/23 campaign by mustering just a single win from any of their final five Juliper Pro appearances, the former Mechelen boss saw his squad lay down an early marker last weekend. Opening their new domestic campaign with a thumping 4-0 win away at RWDM, Genk certainly picked up some major momentum and will be hoping to produce a repeat performance here. Likewise, signing off their pre-season run with another eye-catching display as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Premier League returners Burnley, Wednesday’s hosts have lost just one of their last 10 straight appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Finding the net away at RWDM last weekend after notching three pre-season strikes over the summer, 21-year-old starlet Alieu Fadera will spearhead Genk’s charge on Wednesday evening.

USA international defender Mark McKenzie will once again be partnered by Carlos Cuesta at the heart of Vrancken’s defence. Making a €5million move from Sarpsborg this summer, Christopher Baah will be hoping to make a competitive debut here.

Servette

As for the visitors, although Servette might be tipped as a real underdog contender when they travel out to Belgium in midweek, Les Grenats should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Opening the new Super League campaign with a stellar 3-1 romp away at Grasshoppers on July 27th, Rene Weiler’s men have certainly impressed on either side of the summer interval. Despite eventually having to settle for a first-leg 1-1 draw at the Stade de Geneve last week, the Maroons are remarkably unbeaten in each of their previous 14 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to a 6-1 drumming against Young Boys back on April 22nd. It should also be noted, gaining a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third, Servette won each of their four pre-season friendly appearances by an aggregate score of 12-2.

Team News

Bagging that first-leg strike at the Stade de Geneve last week, one-time Koln starlet Tolu Arokodare will spearhead Servette’s charge on Wednesday evening.

While Jeremy Guillemenot might have been handed a start against Zurich while on domestic duties over the weekend, the 25-year-old will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench here. 30-year-old Jeremy Frick will start between the sticks in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their first-leg showdown at the Stade de Geneve last week, Genk and Servette played out a 1-1 draw.
• Opening the new Juliper Pro campaign with a 4-0 romp away at RWDM last weekend, Genk have lost just one of their last 11 straight appearances.
• Likewise, continuing on from last season, Wednesday’s guests are remarkably unbeaten in each of their previous 14 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to April 22nd.
• Servette have seen each of their last four appearances finish with both teams finding the net.
• Including a maiden domestic strike away at RWDM last weekend, summer arrival Alieu Fadera has four goals in his last six appearances.

Conclusion

Playing out an enjoyable 1-1 draw when they met in Geneva for their first-leg showdown last week, neutrals could be treated to another enjoyable affair here. While Genk might open Wednesday’s showdown tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers, Servette have continued to shine on either side of the summer break. In fact, along with winning each of their four pre-season appearances by an aggregate score of 12-2, the Swiss outfit are remarkably unbeaten in each of their previous 14 straight contests. Likewise, with both sides enjoying a real free-scoring romp in the final third, we are backing both teams to find the net here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster