Cukaricki vs Genk prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-04 19:00.
Čukarički make history here as they host their very first UEFA Europa Conference League game, looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Ferencváros in the opening round of fixtures. Such an outcome would certainly surprise a few as while they are regulars in qualifying, the Serbians have conceded at least three goals in each of their last five continental matches (L5).
The Highlanders won’t pay much attention to that however, as they’ve been defeated just once in competitive home action during 2023 (W11, D2, L1), although that loss was the only European outing in the sequence (0-3 vs Olympiakos). It must be noted that three of the wins during that run came against Partizan and Red Star Belgrade, two European regulars, the latter of which is in this season’s Champions League!
The opposition on Thursday are Belgian Pro League outfit Genk, who head into this off the back of four competitive draws, frustratingly for them after scoring the opener in the last two. That streak is in fact their longest run of stalemates in the 21st century and began with a 2-2 comeback draw at Fiorentina in the opening round of this competition.
Extending that run yet further isn’t out of the question given Genk are unbeaten in their only two matches against Serbian opponents (W1, D1), both of which were against Partizan. Having finished top of the group in four of their previous six UEFA competitions, Genk will hope to get their first win on the board here, although they finished rock bottom in their last two group appearances!
Players to watch: Čukarički’s Luka Adžić formerly plied his trade in Belgium for Anderlecht, losing his only clash with Genk 1-0, yet he has warmed up perfectly for this encounter with a goal and an assist last weekend. He will have a job on his hands to outdo Genk’s Joseph Paintsil, who has contributed to a third of their league goals this term (G2, A3), including goals in two of his last three appearances.
Hot stat: Genk are winless in 11 of their last 12 European away games (W1, D4, L7).