After establishing their status as the dominant Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk embarks on their quest for a Champions League spot against Genk. The match schedules for Tuesday Luminus Arena with kickoff at 9 pm.
Shakhtar Donetsk was impressed last time in a group featuring Real Madrid and Inter Milan. The side head into the contest with renewed hopes after starting the Premier League with a 3-0 win over PFC Lviv. On the other hand, Genk into the third qualifying round on the back of a 4-3 loss to KV Oostende in the Pro League.
Coach Roberto De Zerbi recently signed a two-year contract with the camp. He comes off three years successfully managing Serie A side Sassuolo. Furthermore, he is known to spark the talent in Manuel Locatelli, Domenico Berardi, and Giacomo Raspadori. His debut at the camp started in victory over Inhulets last weekend
However, the camp let a four-year slip at the continental stage while seeing rivals Dynamo Kyiv take the league crown.
Meanwhile, hosts started their campaign dramatically with a 1-1 draw to Standard Liege. Furthermore, they suffered another 4-3 defeat against Oostende on Friday evening.
There is a lot of expectations from the camp in the Belgian Pro League this season. In addition, the side is known for its high attacking football. Nigerian international Paul Onuachu netted 35 goals last term and remained a threat.
Genk vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other, and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- KRC Genk 3-4 KV Oostende
- Genk 1-3 RWD Molenbeek
- Standard Liege 1-1 Genk
- Genk 5-2 MVV Maastricht
- Club Brugge 3-2 Genk
Away
- PFC Lviv 0-3 Shakhtar Donetsk
- Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Inhulets Petrove
- Shaktar Donetsk 5-0 Obolon-Brovar Kyiv
- FC Schalke 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
- Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Turkgucu Munchen
KRC Genk Team News
Chelsea loanee Ike Ugbo is yet to complete his transfer from Cercle Brugge last season and remains ruled out. Therefore, we might get Paul Inauchu starting up front, but Cyriel Dessers looks a favorite.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Defender Marlon who recently moved from Sassuolo, will slide straight into the backline. A major doubt for the clash is Serhiy Kryvtstov out with a knee injury. However, his replacement Mykola Matviyyenko is available for selection.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts have a slow start to their season; thus their opponents will capitalize on this.
- Away Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- Both Teams to Score
