Genk are looking to consolidate their relatively strong position in the Europa League table when they travel to Utrecht on Matchday 7 of this season’s competition.
The Jupiler Pro League side are handily placed in 16th ahead of the latest round of kick-offs, just three points off the Top 8 positions.
But Genk are also just three points ahead of Dinamo Zagreb in 25th, so a win in the Netherlands should be viewed as a must.
It is another big European night for Genk, and here is our full sports betting preview for this fixture, complete with odds and tips for your Thursday football bets on the Europa League.
Utrecht vs Genk Preview
Utrecht are way back in 32nd, having lost five of six Europa League games and drawing the other.
Their chances of qualifying even for the play-offs are all but over, so there is only really pride left to play for.
Utrecht lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest last time out, and also suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lyon in front of their own fans on Matchday 1.
And the Dutch side enter this fixture on the back of another dreadful result, losing 2-1 at FC Voldendam in the Eredivisie last Sunday, which followed a 2-1 home loss to FC Twente in the KNVB Cup.
So Genk should really be aiming for three points here, even after a 2-1 defeat at Zulte Waregem on the Pro League’s return from the winter break.
Genk lost 1-0 at high-flying FC Midtjylland last time out, but their previous away Europa League matches saw them collect impressive results.
The team now coached by ex-Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen beat Rangers 1-0 in Glasgow on Matchday 1, and also won a 4-3 thriller in Braga back at the start of November.
A third away victory in four attempts would be huge ahead of Sunday’s home Pro League clash with Cercle Brugge.
Utrecht vs Genk Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Genk are slight favourites to claim the win at a price of 2.60. A victory for Utrecht is at odds of 2.70, while the draw is 3.45.
Utrecht vs Genk Betting Tips
Winner (Draw no bet) – Genk @ 1.85
Genk have a far better record in this season’s Europa League, and also far more at stake here. So backing the Belgian side feels like the best move to make, though their inconsistent form domestically means it is probably wise to look at the insurance policy provided by the DNB market.
Anytime goalscorer – Oh Hyeon-gyu @ 2.80
Genk and Hayen will look at top scorer Oh to provide the attacking impetus in Utrecht. The South Korean star has six goals in 19 Pro League appearances this season, and has also netted three times in the Europa League. With Utrecht keeping just one clean sheet in the last 12 matches across all competitions, we fancy Oh to add to his European tally here.
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