Genk are looking to stay alive in the 2025-26 Europa League by beating Dinamo Zagreb in a two-legged play-off tie.
The Jupiler Pro League side failed to break into the Top 8 after eight matchdays, finishing an agonising ninth and behind AS Roma on goal difference only.
So two extra games have been added to the schedule as a result, though Genk will surely fancy their chances of getting past Dinamo Zagreb – who finished 23rd with just 10 points.
The first leg of the tie gets underway on Thursday evening, and here is our full match preview, complete with sports betting tips based on the latest Europa League odds.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk Preview
Dinamo Zagreb’s last home match in the Europa League saw them thrash Romanian outfit FCSB 4-1, before a 2-0 defeat at FC Midtjylland on Matchday 8.
Unsurprisingly, the capital club sit top of the Croatian top-flight table ahead of kick-off in this play-off tie, recording a sizable 4-0 home win over Istra 1961 on the weekend.
Dinamo have also been free-scoring in domestic matters overall, tallying 48 league goals in just 22 matches – also conceding only 17.
Furthermore, Dinamo have won nine of their 11 top-flight home games so far this season, losing just the once.
So this will be a tough assignment for Genk, although the Jupiler Pro League side are on a great run of form themselves.
Last Friday’s 3-2 win at Mechelen made it three consecutive top-flight victories following previous successes over Dender (1-2) and Anderlecht (2-0).
Genk are also in a positive frame of mind regarding the Europa League after ending their League Phase campaign with back-to-back triumphs over Utrecht (0-2) and Malmo (2-1).
Despite losing star striker Hyeon-gyu Oh to Besiktas in the January transfer window, things are starting to look up on all fronts for Genk!
And a win in Zagreb would increase the positivity levels tenfold…
Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Dinamo Zagreb are the slight favourites ahead of kick-off, the hosts priced at 2.22 to claim a crucial first-leg win. A Genk victory is at odds of 3.30, while the draw is 3.40.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk Betting Tips
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.77
While Dinamo Zagreb are the favourites with home advantage, Genk have really shown heart on the road in this season’s Europa League. The Belgian side won three of their League Phase away games vs Rangers (0-1), Braga (3-4) and Utrecht, so we expect them to join the hosts on the scoresheet.
Anytime goalscorer – Daan Heymans @ 4.45
We are a tad surprised to see just how good the odds are here. First of all, Heymans is Genk’s designated penalty taker. Secondly, he has delivered on the Europa League stage already this season with three goals in six appearances, including strikes in each of the last two against Utrecht and Malmo. And finally, Heymans recorded three goals in Genk’s previous three Pro League matches. So there is potentially real value to be had here.
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