Zulte-Waregem vs Genk
9 August 1500hrs
Football – Belgium – First Division A
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker 888Sport
Odds: 4/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Saturday 8 August
Title winners two years ago, Genk were incredibly disappointing last season and will be hoping to start this season as they mean to go on when they face Zulte-Waregem on Sunday.
Table of Contents
Zulte-Waregem Preview – Can Zulte register their first home win over Genk since 2016?
Franky Dury is embarking on another year in charge of Zulte-Waregem. In charge since 2001, Dury has has a couple of brief positions elsewhere but this will be his 20th campaign in charge of the club making him one of the longest-serving coaches in European football. Last season may not have been one of his highlights as Zulte finished ninth but they were never in danger of relegation and will be looking to improve on that this time around.
They certainly didn’t struggle for goals at home having scored 30 and that record is one only bettered by the runaway champions Club Brugge.
Whilst free-scoring at home, Zulte had difficulty finding the net on the road with just 11 in 15 games. The only two clubs who scored fewer on their travels were the bottom two clubs KV Ooostende and Waasland Beveren. That’s an area they will look to improve on as they bid to climb the table.
Fans of the Premier League will be familiar with Saido Berahino who joined the club last season. The forward scored six goals which is his best return in five years and one he’ll be hoping to better this season.
Genk Preview – Will Genk get off to a winning start and begin to rid themselves of last year’s disappointments?
From the highs of season 2018/19 when Genk won the Belgian title, to the frustrations of the last campaign which seen them mount a pitiful title defence and finish in seventh spot. That was a massive 26 points behind the champions Club Brugge and out the European positions altogether. Hannes Wolf was brought in as manager back in November – one of three coaches to take charge of the team during the last campaign. That is an indication of just how challenging the season was for all connected with the club.
Wolf knows what the penalty will be should Genk get off to a slow start this time around.
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Genk finished the season relatively strongly with seven wins in their last 12 league games and have to aim for at least that as a start this time around. They face Club Brugge and Standard Liege in their first five games so will be tested from the beginning.
Where Genk were very good last season was scoring goals on their travels. The 24 they managed was second only to the champions but they will have to tighten up in defence as they conceded the same amount away from home.
Zulte-Waregem vs Genk Betting Advice
Although it’s away from home, Genk do have a good record in this fixture so may not see it as the most unfavourable opening game. Genk have won five of the last seven against Zulte including a comprehensive win here last season. Zulte-Waregem had won in Genk at the beginning of the last campaign which is their first success over this rival since 2016.
Key Facts – Zulte-Waregem vs Genk Betting Tip
- The 30 goals scored at home by Zulte was the second highest in the league (Club Brugge highest)
- Genk’s 24 away goals in the league last season was bettered only by champions Club Brugge
- Genk have won five of the last seven meetings against Zulte, including the corresponding fixture last season
It’s always difficult picking out a selection on the opening day with little form to go on but on this occasion I think the fact both teams were so potent in attack is a good pointer. Four of the last six meetings between the teams have had at least three goals in them, too, and that’s my selection in this one.
The best betting odds for Zulte-Waregem vs Genk
Zulte-Waregem to win 5/2: Unibet
Draw: 14/5 at Unibet
Genk to win: 19/20 at Unibet
