Our prediction for this Belgium Pro League match:
All eyes will be on Cegeka Arena when Genk and Standard Liege go head to head in a highly-anticipated season opener. Genk were involved in some high-scoring games in preseason and they are likely to stick to their attacking style of play. The likes of Hyeon-gyu Oh, Matte Smets, Adrian Palacios, and Jarne Steuckers have signed permanent deals with the club, while goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt joined Bundesliga club Leizpig.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, played out a 1-1 draw with Norwich City in their last warm-up game. Standard Liege, though, are not regarded as good travellers and that is the main reason why we are going to bet on the home side this time out. Even though Standard chiefs have added the likes of Bosko Sutalo, Marko Bulat, Boli Bolingoli, and Grejohn Kyei to the squad, home win should definitely be considered.
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.