Critical Match Ahead as Struggling Genk Faces Rangers at Ibrox
A Clash of Underperforming Teams
A team in poor form, a dismal start to the season, and a manager facing mounting pressure—does this scenario ring a bell?
For Rangers, the team in distress is Genk. Russell Martin’s side mirrors the struggles of Thorsten Fink’s squad as they gear up for their Europa League opener at Ibrox this Thursday.
Unlike Martin, Fink has had a year at the helm, witnessing a strong start to last season diminish into a troubling finish, characterized by only two victories in their last eight league outings. Currently, Genk finds itself six points behind Club Brugge and a full nine behind champions Union St. Gilloise, both of whom have visited Ibrox recently with differing outcomes.
Despite their current woes, Genk succeeded in finishing as runners-up last season, and expectations were high for a title challenge under Fink this year. However, with their current position being 14th in the league and merely two wins out of eight, they are already trailing leaders USG by a daunting 12 points.
Defensive Struggles and Squad Changes
Maintaining a sturdy defense has been a critical issue; Genk has failed to keep a single clean sheet in their ten matches this season. This alarming trend must change if they wish to reverse their slide in form.
Tobias Lawal has stepped in as the primary goalkeeper following an early-season injury to Hendrik van Crombrugge. Previously, van Crombrugge had been in competition with teenage goalkeeper Mike Penders, who had a short stint before moving to Chelsea.
Penders’ earlier decision to return on loan before stipulating his long-term future at Chelsea suggests that Genk is still reeling from the departure of last season’s top scorer, Tolu Arokodare, who transferred to Wolves for a significant fee. Arokodare netted 23 times for Genk, but his exit—only just before the transfer window closed—hardly helped the club’s struggles.
On a positive note, Genk may welcome back Kostas Karetsas, a bright talent from their academy, who has recently recovered from injury. This 17-year-old, after making an explosive debut, is expected to bring considerable impact as he returns to his hometown club after showcasing his skills on the international stage.
A Familiar Face Returns
Hyeon-gyu Oh’s Comeback to Glasgow
Genk’s current striker, Hyeon-gyu Oh, had a less-than-idyllic spell at Celtic. Though he recorded 12 goals in 47 matches, his opportunities were limited, resulting in only six starts before making the move to Belgium.
Oh’s performances caught attention last season, hinting at a potential lucrative transfer to Stuttgart. Unfortunately, that opportunity fell through due to health concerns just before the transfer deadline, making him a pivotal player for Genk as they approach their match with Rangers.
Former players, including Thomas Buffel, predict a victory for Genk at Ibrox. However, it’s worth noting that this current lineup is a far cry from the Club Brugge squad that overwhelmed Rangers in their last face-off.
While both teams are struggling, there remains a possibility that either could find their rhythm on Thursday, potentially leading them to a crucial victory.
