Genk vs Red Bull Salzburg Predictions

Genk haven’t set the world alight in the Champions League this season, picking up just one point in what has been a very tough group for the Belgians. They’ve scored four goals, which hasn’t been a bad return for them but their defensive fragility has been clear to see with 12 goals conceded in just four games. There aren’t many positives for the side but they are still able to qualify for the Europa League; a win here is imperative. 

Red Bull Salzburg have been the surprise package in the Champions League so far this season, with the Austrians scoring 12 goals in their four games and the emergence of Erling Haaland as a leading striker meaning they can still qualify for the knockout stages. At the very least, they should be playing in the Europa League after Christmas. 

They’ve scored twice as many goals as Napoli, the team currently sitting second in the group, but have conceded three times as many goals. That’s the real problem stopping them from being a true force in the group. Their games see an average of 5.5 goals in the Champions League and they’ll be keen to give their fans plenty to cheer about again in matchweek 5.

This game should see Salzburg assert their dominance again and head into the final group game with a real fighting chance of qualification. We’re predicting they should find the net plenty of times this week, with the Austrians 11/8 to beat the 2.5 goal line by themselves, something we can really see happening against a weak Belgian side without much to play for. 

With the visitors looking so superior, we’re also backing them to pick up their first clean sheet of the campaign and at 14/1 a 3-0 win for Salzburg looks like it carries real value. There isn’t much for Genk to play for and they could have one eye on a Belgian Pro League campaign that has also fallen well below expectations. Salzburg should exploit this fact and run out comfortable winners.