Salzburg vs Genk
Champions League
Date: Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Red Bull Arena (Salzburg).
Match Preview
Tuesday night has been a long time coming to Salzburg, which appeared in the Champions League group for the second time and first since 1994-1995.
A lot has happened at the club since then; rebranding controversial following 2005 purchase of Red Bull club saw them lose some fans, while they were foiled in qualifying for this competition in no fewer than 13 times - including seven in a row before this season, although not really missed out on qualifying a fit in normal time since 2015.
Salzburg will no doubt have been pleased to learn the domestic title last season - their sixth in a row - they are guaranteed a direct passage to the group stage this time, then, after being forced to settle for Europa League football until this stage.
European campaign last season may give some hope that they can upset the odds, though, having won all six of their group games competition-record for the third time before beating Napoli in the home leg of their last 16 clash.
A heavy defeat in the first leg against a team they have again paired in Group E meant that they were eliminated on aggregate, but beating the likes Napoi, RB Leipzig, which is also in the Champions League this season and Celtic will no doubt help them to believe that they are at this level.
The host must have come into this match in fine fettle; they have won all seven of their matches in all competitions this season, scoring 34 goals in the process, including seven in their most recent outing.
Of course, the quality of the opposition should be taken into account, but there is no doubt that Salzburg is one of the form teams in Europe and Genk will go into this match as the underdog in what they showed their first Champions League since 2011-12 and only their third ever.
Belgian title last season fourth sealed their place in the group stages automatically - the first time they do not have to go through qualifying - although they have not actually won a match in the competition proper.
Indeed, the last event two away Champions League they have seen them ship 12 goals without reply, while they only ever won one qualifying benefits while Salzburg are unbeaten in their last 18 games at home.
Things look like grim on the domestic front as well, with the defeat Friday at Sporting Charleroi is the third champion of the league season to leave them ninth in the table 16 teams with 10 points from seven games - seven fewer than they had on stage last season.
Belgium record clothes on the continent do not give them a glimmer of hope, having netted in 29 of the last 30 events as they are, even though they all come in the Europa League.
TEAM NEWS
SALZBURG
Salzburg came to their first group match in fine form after winning all seven matches and scored 34 goals in the Bundesliga Austria.
The atmosphere at Red Bull Arena will be fantastic as they finally reached the big time having failed so often in the play-offs.
Erling Haaland teen sensation has scored 10 goals in the club's last five matches and will be looking to make an impact in the Champions League.
Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Stankovic; Kristensen, Andre Ramalho, Vallci, Wober; Minamino, Bernede, Mwepu, Szoboszlai; Hwang Hee-Chan, Haaland
Not available: Walke (Injured)
Doubtful: Pongracic (Injured)
GENK
Genk start to their domestic campaign has been mixed since they sit mid-table following their latest setback when they lost 2-1 at Charleroi.
Both Samanas and Lucumi left over from the defeat at the weekend after a long trip with their national teams, but both should be back here.
Paintsil is doubtful for Muzzu Felice man after he was forced to come off at half-time on weekends so Bongonda may come in.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Coucke; De Norre, Lucumi, Uronen, Cuesta; Berge, Heynen; Ito, Hrosovsky, Bongonda; Samanas
Not available: Vukovic (Injured)
Doubtful: Paintsil (Injured)
Genk start to their domestic campaign has been mixed since they sit mid-table following their latest setback when they lost 2-1 at Charleroi.
Both Samanas and Lucumi left over from the defeat at the weekend after a long trip with their national teams, but both should be back here.
Paintsil is doubtful for Muzzu Felice man after he was forced to come off at half-time on weekends so Bongonda may come in.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Coucke; De Norre, Lucumi, Uronen, Cuesta; Berge, Heynen; Ito, Hrosovsky, Bongonda; Samanas
Not available: Vukovic (Injured)
Doubtful: Paintsil (Injured)
Salzburg vs Genk Predictions
Red Bull at this moment in the winner ran, and going further back in seven games, have won 13 of their last 15 ties. In addition, they have the status of the house for the day and was the winner of a five-game run in this place.
In addition, the side has scored a total of 27 goals in five previous appearances in front of their home crowd, keeping clean sheets in two of the three former.
To take this monster squad came Genk, with just two wins from their previous six matches, and only one of those former five on the road. In addition, only those road wins this season have been against the worst unit in their domestic league, and it certainly will not be enough to take Austria to fly high.
By all means, expect a great performance by the hosts in their CL match.
By all means, expect a great performance by the hosts in their CL match.
Salzburg vs Genk Betting Tips
Salzburg Win @ 1.60 (3/5)
To Score the First Goal: Salzburg @ 1.40 (2/5).
