Genk will welcome Zulte Waregem next week in a Belgian Pro League fixture that looks straightforward on paper but still carries its own challenges. Genk are pushing for consistency at the top end of the table and know that home games against lower placed sides are matches they cannot afford to slip up in.

Zulte Waregem, meanwhile, come into this fixture with very different priorities, as every point remains valuable in their fight to stay competitive.

Meetings between these two sides have often followed a familiar pattern, with Genk controlling possession and territory while Zulte Waregem attempt to stay compact and hit on the counter.

Whether that script repeats itself will depend on how clinical Genk are in the final third and how long Zulte Waregem can maintain their defensive structure.

Team News and Injury Updates

Genk Team News

Genk head into this match with a relatively settled squad, although a few injury concerns remain.

Goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt is expected to continue as the undisputed number one after starting the previous league match.

In defense, Genk are likely to stick with the central pairing of Mujaid Sadick and Mark McKenzie, a combination that has offered both physical presence and composure on the ball.

In midfield, Patrik Hrosovsky remains a key figure, providing balance and leadership. He is expected to start again alongside Bryan Heynen, who continues to play an important role in linking defense and attack.

Genk will be monitoring the fitness of Joseph Paintsil, who has been dealing with a minor muscle issue, but he is still expected to be available. No long term absentees are expected, giving the home side plenty of options in attacking areas.

Zulte Waregem Team News

Zulte Waregem arrive with more limitations in their squad depth. Goalkeeper Sammy Bossut is expected to start after featuring in the last league game, where he faced heavy pressure.

Defensively, Zulte Waregem have been forced into consistency due to injuries, with Nicolas Rommens and Jelle Vossen both playing important roles despite ongoing fitness management.

Midfield options are slightly stretched, with Abdoulaye Traore still working his way back from injury and unlikely to feature from the start.

Up front, Zulte Waregem are expected to rely on their most experienced attackers, even if service has been inconsistent in recent weeks. The focus for the visitors will be staying organized rather than rotating heavily.

Standings Context and Recent Form

Genk currently sit comfortably in the upper half of the Belgian Pro League standings and remain in the hunt for European qualification.

Their home form has been a major strength, with consistent performances built on structured pressing and efficient attacking play.

While they have not been flawless, they tend to dominate games against teams positioned below them.

Zulte Waregem find themselves closer to the bottom of the table and continue to struggle for consistency.

Away matches have been particularly difficult, with defensive lapses often undoing periods of solid work. Their recent form shows effort and discipline, but also highlights a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Key Players and Stats to Watch

For Genk, the spotlight remains on their attacking midfielders and wide players. Bryan Heynen averages a high number of touches per match and often dictates the tempo.

Joseph Paintsil, when fit, remains one of the most direct attackers in the league, capable of stretching defenses and creating chances from wide areas.

Zulte Waregem will once again depend heavily on their defensive unit and goalkeeper.

Bossut has been among the busiest goalkeepers in the league, facing a high volume of shots per match. In attack, Jelle Vossen remains the main reference point, using experience rather than pace to create opportunities.

Predicted Lineups

Genk Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt
Right Back: Daniel Munoz
Center Back: Mark McKenzie
Center Back: Mujaid Sadick
Left Back: Gerardo Arteaga
Central Midfield: Bryan Heynen
Central Midfield: Patrik Hrosovsky
Right Wing: Joseph Paintsil
Attacking Midfield: Bilal El Khannouss
Left Wing: Mike Tresor
Striker: Toluwalase Arokodare

Zulte Waregem Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Sammy Bossut
Right Back: Alessandro Ciranni
Center Back: Nicolas Rommens
Center Back: Jelle Vossen
Left Back: Bent Soelle Soerensen
Central Midfield: Ewoud Pletinckx
Central Midfield: Dion De Neve
Right Wing: Alioune Ndour
Attacking Midfield: Zinho Gano
Left Wing: Gianni Bruno
Striker: Jelle Vossen

How the Match Could Develop

Genk are expected to control possession from the opening stages and apply steady pressure through wide areas.

Their aim will be to score early and avoid allowing Zulte Waregem to settle into a defensive rhythm. Zulte Waregem will likely sit deep, prioritize shape, and look to break quickly whenever Genk commit numbers forward.

If Genk are patient and move the ball quickly, gaps should eventually appear. Zulte Waregem’s main challenge will be maintaining concentration, particularly late in each half.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

This fixture strongly favors Genk, especially given their home form and squad depth. Zulte Waregem may keep things tight for periods, but sustaining that level for ninety minutes will be difficult.

Predicted Score: Genk 3 1 Zulte Waregem