Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Cercle Brugge and Genk square off against each other at Jan Breydel Stadion in a highly-anticipated Jupiler League game. Genk are on the right track to regain the trophy, but boss Wouter Vrancken must warn his men against complacency as St Gilloise are breathing down their neck. All Abid, Arokodare, and Oyen are sidelined with injuries, while both Matias Galarza and Carlos Cuesta are banned due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
Cercle Brugge, on the other hand, aim to recover from a 2-0 loss to Anderlecht, and they are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach in Friday’s clash. Since Genk suffered a dip in form, we predict that the hosts are going to grab something from the match. Both Da Silva and Kevin Denkey miss out through suspensions for the home team, while David Sousa and Edgaras Utkus remain doubtful.
Highlighted Player (Mbwana Samatta):
Born in Dar Es Salaam on December 23, 1992, Mbwana Samatta is a Tanzania striker who plays for Genk in the Belgian Jupiler League. Samatta began his youth career at African Lyon and he played his first game at senior level for Simba SC, the club from his homeland.
In 2011 he moved to TP Mazembe and after scoring 60 goals in 103 league games for the club, the Tanzania international signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Genk. On August 23, 2018 Samatta scored a hat-trick against Brondby in the Europa League.
Speaking of his international debut, Samatta made his Tanzania debut in March, 2011 in a 2-1 win over Central African Republic. It has to be noted that the Genk attacker was named African Player of the Year (based in Africa) in 2015. His main position is centre-forward, but is capable of playing as a winger as well. His contract with Genk should expire on June 30, 2020.
Highlighted Team (Genk):
Founded in 1988, Genk are considered one of the youngest clubs in Belgium. Luminus Arena is the home stadium of the club, the capacity of the venue is 24 956 and it was built in 1999. Speaking of UEFA matches, the stadium can hold 21 500 spectators.
Genk clinched one Belgian Pro League trophy in the 20th century, with the team winning the 1989/1999 title. They finished the season with 73 points, two points clear of second-placed Club Brugge. Genk won their second domestic trophy in 2002 and the team lifted the Belgian Pro League title in 2011 as well. Speaking of the Belgian Cup, the club clinched their fourth trophy in the competition in 2013.
The club is well known for their brilliant school and you should bear in mind that the likes of Steven Defour, Christian Benteke, Thibaut Courtois, Divock Origi and Kevin De Bruyne are all products of Genk’s football academy.