Preview: Genk vs. Servette - prediction, team news, lineups

The initial encounter between these sides took place at Stade de Geneve last week, resulting in a 1-1 draw, and they will clash again in this one for an opportunity to take on Rangers in the next round of qualifiers.

Match preview

The hosts would have been bitterly disappointed that they were unable to secure a win last week after taking the lead through Tolu Arokodare inside the first 20 minutes of the match, with just their second shot on target.

On the whole, though, the match was very well-balanced, and while Genk did command the lion's share of possession and territory, they were unable to create many clear-cut chances despite firing 15 shots at goal.

After finishing the regular season in first place with a better goal difference than Union Saint-Gilloise last term, Wouter Vrancken's side were edged out of the title in the Championship round by a fast-finishing Royal Antwerp, who claimed the title by a single point.

However, they have begun this season in the perfect way, securing a solid 4-0 win over RWDM in their first match of the campaign, which puts them at the top of the table in the very early stages of the season.

With that win, Genk are now unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, and they are also carrying a strong home record with five wins and two draws in their last seven matches at Cegeka Arena dating back to April this year.

The hosts made it to the UEFA Champions League group stages in the 2019-20 and 2011-12 seasons but bowed out in the third qualifying round last term.

Meanwhile, Servette surprised a number of onlookers in the first leg as they went toe-to-toe with their opponents and outperformed them in terms of attempts at goal and shots on target.

They were by far the more attacking of the sides in the second half at 1-0 down and finally managed to get a breakthrough in the 77th minute with Steve Rouiller scoring the all-important equaliser.

Like their opponents, Rene Weiler's side have made a solid start in their domestic league, unbeaten after their first two matches with a win and a draw, which leaves them in second place and two points behind Lugano at the top.

Servette played out a 2-2 draw against Zurich in their last match, which extended their excellent record in recent times to 14 matches unbeaten in all competitions, including 10 wins and four draws.

They are also on a four-match winning streak in away matches and have only lost one of their last 11 fixtures on the road, with their solitary loss coming against last season's Swiss Super League champions, Young Boys.

The visitors have competed in these qualifiers seven times in the past, with their last attempt coming back in the 1999-00 season, but they have never made it to the main draw and will be hoping that this could be their year.

Genk Champions League form:

D

Genk form (all competitions):

D

W

D

W

D

W

Servette Champions League form:

D

Servette form (all competitions):

W

D

W

W

D

D

Team News

Alieu Fadera, Bryan Heynen, Daniel Munoz and Carlos Cuesta all found the target for Vrancken's side in their 4-0 win over RWDM, and all four should retain their places in the starting 11 for this one.

Angelo Preciado was left out of the squad for that match with an illness, but he has since returned to training, though he may have to settle for a place on the bench after Munoz's performance in the last match.

Ivorian Chris Bedia's penalty against Zurich followed a brace against Grasshoppers on the opening weekend, making him the highest goal scorer in the league after two matches and almost certain to lead the line in this one.

Theo Magnin and Samba Diba have not featured for the visitors as yet this season through injury, and the pair are expected to be out for a while longer as they continue their respective recoveries.

Genk possible starting lineup:

Vandevoordt; Munoz, McKenzie, Cuesta, Arteaga; Heynen, Khannous, Galarza, Paintsil; Fadera, Sor

Servette possible starting lineup:

Frick; Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou; Antunes, Cognat, Baron, Kutesa; Bedia, Guillemenot

We say: Genk 2-1 Servette

While Servette did put on an excellent showing on their home patch last week, they will likely find it much more difficult on the road this time around. Genk have a very good home record over the last year, and we expect them to get through to the next round, albeit by a slender margin.

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