Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
Genk
Match Time & Date:
08/01/2023
13:30
Prediction: 2-2
Club Brugge
All eyes will be on Cegeka Arena when Genk and Club Brugge face each other in the Jupiler League derby. Genk are on the right track to win the trophy, but their display in a 1-0 loss to Kortrijk was anything but promising. Anyhow, the hosts should be happy with one point from Sunday’s derby as they are 12 points clear of Club Brugge in the Jupiler League table.
Both Matias Galarza and Luca Oyen are sidelined with injuries, while both Kelvin John and Adnane Abid are major doubts. The reigning champions, on the other hand, are a team with two faces, with the team impressing in the Champions League, while struggling to find their best form in the national championship. Anyhow, we are tempted to put our money on draw as Genk are tough to beat at home. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika is banned for the visiting side.
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 (Club Brugge):
Founded in 1891, Belgium giants Club Brugge are one of the most decorated football clubs in the country. Also known as Blauw-Zwart due to their Blue and Black colours, Club Brugge have been crown champions of Belgium on 14 occasions which is second to Anderlecht.
Through their long-lasting history Club Brugge have enjoyed fair amount of European success.to this day in football history Club Brugge holds the European record number of consecutive participation in the UEFA Europa league – 20. The Blauw-Zwart have reached two European finals and two semi-finals so far. What is more, Club Brugge are the only Belgian side ever to play in the final of the European Cup so far, losing to Liverpool in the 1978 season.
Two years prior, Club Brugge lost the 1976 UEFA Cup Final to the same rivals. Club Brugge play their home games at the Jan Breydel Stadium, which is also home to city rivals Cercle Brugge. The two sides form a formidable rivalry contested in the Bruges Derby.
