Antwerp’s title defence has stuttered to start the season. The side have only won one of their last six Pro League games, which was a 4-1 route of an out of form Eupen side. After a late defeat to Club Brugge, the side are set to welcome a Genk side who have started to find scoring, at least domestically, easy.
Antwerp did manage to build some confidence with a 4-1 win over neighbors Lierse in the Belgian cup midweek. While last seasons leading forward Vincent Janssen has failed to score in his last nine games in all competitions, young teenager George Ilenikhena has started to emerge as an impact substitute. The forward grabbed his third of the season against Lierse, giving him three goals in his last four games. Antwerp sit seventh, two points behind Club Brugge in sixth. The Great Old have won four of their opening 12 games, with five draws and three defeats. They still have one of the best defensive records in the league, joint first with just 10 conceded.
Genk are the other side who have conceded just 10 goals this season. However, in recent weeks they have also begun to add goals to their game. In their previous two league games they have scored seven goals without reply, four against KV Mechelen and three against Kortrijk. During the week they put another four past third tier side URSL Vise in the cup. Goals have come by committee for Genk this season, with Daniel Munoz, Bilal El Khannous, Joseph Paintsil and Tolu Arokodare all on three goals. Paintsil is also providing, with three assists in his 12 league matches this season. Genk can begin to claw back some points to leaders Union with a win, as the side are currently seven points behind the Brussels side.
