Genk vs Slavia Prague Predictions

This Europa League tie is very finely poised following the goalless draw between Genk and Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic last week, but with the home advantage, Genk will be the favourites to progress through to the last sixteen. Both teams followed up their European draw with defeat in their domestic leagues and it will be interesting to see which of the clubs responds best on Thursday, as they will likely end up the winners.

Belgian First Division A leaders Genk were beaten by second placed Club Brugge on Sunday and saw their lead at the top reduced to eight points, but remain the clear favourites to claim the title. It proved a similar story for Slavia Prague, who saw their advantage at the top reduced to three points when they lost out to their main title rivals Viktoria Plzen 2-0. Genk had 54% of the overall possession when the two sides locked horns in the Czech Republic last Thursday, but Slavia Prague created more with their time on the ball. The hosts had fifteen shots during the ninety minutes, but only managed to get four of those on target in what was a disappointing display from both sets of attackers. The game was very tight throughout and Genk always looked dangerous going forward, but ultimately neither side made the breakthrough.

After last weeks showing and going by the recent results of both teams, we’re expecting another tight and tense ninety minutes from Thursday’s 2nd leg, but wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams get on the scoreboard this time around. There we’re plenty of chances for both sides last week, but poor finishing cost both sides a goal in the 1st leg. Genk have only failed to score in one of their last six matches, and both teams have scored in four of their last six. Slavia Prague have scored in four of their last six matches, but their last five games have all produced under 2.5 goals. The visitors have kept four clean sheets in their last six games, but Genk’s recent scoring records suggests there won’t be another clean sheet for the visitors on Thursday. We can see the two teams cancelling each other out once again, but this time we’re going to back a score draw and that would be enough for Slavia Prague to progress through to the last sixteen.

Samatta has scored nine goals in Europe for Genk, including qualifying, and certainly presents the hosts main goal threat, though teammate Trossard has chipped in with seven. Zmrhal has two goals in Europe for Slavia Prague so far this season, and if there was one concern over the visitors chances of progressing any further in this competition, then it would certainly be over their goal scoring ability. We’re confident that under 2.5 goals will be scored on Thursday, and have backed the game to end in a 1-1 draw. Genk have the better attack, but Slavia have shown they can and will defend, giving away very little at the back, which is why they have progressed this far.