FCV Dender EH vs Genk Prediction & Match Preview (Sunday, 1 February)

Our FCV Dender EH vs Genk prediction and match preview sets the stage for an intriguing clash in the Belgian First Division A. Scheduled for Sunday, 1 February, this encounter will be held at the Van Roy Stadium, where FCV Dender EH host Genk in what promises to be a competitive fixture. Both teams are eager to secure vital points, making this a significant match in the league calendar.

FCV Dender EH, playing at home, will look to leverage their familiarity with the Van Roy Stadium to gain an advantage over Genk. Meanwhile, Genk, renowned for their strong performances, will aim to capitalise on their recent form to challenge the hosts. With both sides striving to improve their standings in the First Division A, this fixture carries added importance.

FCV Dender EH vs Genk: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Genk to Win	1.94

Given the current form and squad strength, our recommended betting tip is to back Genk to win at odds of 1.85. Genk’s overall quality, combined with Dender’s injury concerns, makes this a solid pick.

• Genk have scored in 91% of their away matches this season, highlighting their consistent attacking threat.
• Dender’s significant injury list, including key players such as Benjamin Fredrick and Ragnar Oratmangoen, severely weakens their lineup.
• Genk’s recent head-to-head advantage, including a 2-1 win in their last encounter, shows they know how to get results against Dender.

Betting Odds

In this Belgian First Division A matchup, Genk are the favourites with odds of 1.94, reflecting their superior form and league standing. FCV Dender EH, playing at home, are priced at 3.76, suggesting a potential upset for those backing the underdogs.

Betting Tip	Odds
FCV Dender EH to win	3.76
Draw	3.46
Genk to win	1.94

The draw is also an enticing option at 3.46, especially considering Dender’s resilience at the Van Roy Stadium. Punters might find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

FCV Dender EH: Analysis & Recent Performance

In recent weeks, FCV Dender EH have struggled to find consistent form, with a record of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their most recent outing resulted in a 0-0 draw against Anderlecht, where they managed only 39% possession and nine shots compared to 20 from their opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Anderlecht	FCV Dender EH	0 – 0 (Draw)	Jupiler League	25 Jan 2026
FCV Dender EH	Royal Antwerp	1 – 0 (Win)	Jupiler League	18 Jan 2026
FCV Dender EH	Union St.Gilloise	0 – 2 (Loss)	Cup	14 Jan 2026
KV Mechelen	FCV Dender EH	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	27 Dec 2025
FCV Dender EH	Standard Liege	0 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Despite scoring only two goals in their last five matches, the team have managed to secure two clean sheets, highlighting some defensive resilience. However, their offensive capabilities remain limited, averaging just 0.40 goals per game. Bruny Nsimba remains their key attacking threat, with six goals this season.

Home Performance:
At home, FCV Dender EH have achieved two wins out of five matches, but their overall season performance at Van Roy Stadium shows room for improvement, with only a 30% win ratio from 10 home games. The team have conceded 15 goals at home, averaging 1.50 goals conceded per match, which underscores a need for defensive stability.

Overall Team Dynamics:

• DWLDL

FCV Dender EH currently sit in 16th place in the First Division A, with 17 points from 22 matches. They have struggled to maintain a win ratio above 20%, and their goal-scoring average of 0.77 per game indicates a pressing need for offensive reinforcements. The team will need to leverage their defensive capabilities while seeking to improve their attacking efficiency in upcoming fixtures.

FCV Dender EH: Suspensions & Injuries

FCV Dender EH face a challenging situation with several key players potentially missing due to injuries. Michael Verrips, Benjamin Fredrick, and Ragnar Oratmangoen are all doubtful, each dealing with significant issues such as shoulder and knee injuries. These absences could severely impact the team’s defensive solidity and midfield creativity. Ryan Adewusi’s uncertain status further complicates matters, potentially leaving the squad short on depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Michael Verrips	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Benjamin Fredrick	Knee injury	Doubtful
Ragnar Oratmangoen	Knee injury	Doubtful
Ryan Adewusi	Unknown	Doubtful

In the absence of these players, coach Hayk Milkon will likely need to make tactical adjustments. The previous lineup featured Gauthier Gallon in goal, with Luc Marijnissen and Kobe Cools forming the backbone of the defence. The midfield, comprising Marsoni Sambu and Noah Mbamba, may see a reshuffle to cover for the missing players, while Malcolm Viltard and Fabio Ferraro could be tasked with additional responsibilities.

These injuries may influence FCV Dender EH’s performance against Genk, potentially affecting betting markets. With key figures doubtful, the team might adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive stability to counteract the loss of pivotal players. This could lead to a more conservative match strategy, aiming to secure a draw rather than pushing aggressively for a win.

FCV Dender EH: Key Players

FCV Dender EH will heavily rely on their top scorer Bruny Nsimba, who has netted six goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Genk. Nsimba’s ability to find the back of the net and his knack for being in the right place at the right time make him a crucial asset for FCV Dender EH. His partnership with David Toshevski up front will be pivotal, as Toshevski’s physical presence and Nsimba’s finishing skills complement each other well.

In midfield, Noah Mbamba’s role as a playmaker will be vital in dictating the tempo and creating opportunities for the forwards. Alongside him, Marsoni Sambu provides the necessary defensive cover, ensuring that the team maintains balance in both attack and defence. Defensively, Kobe Cools is a key figure, whose leadership and tackling ability are essential in thwarting Genk’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for FCV Dender EH

• Goalkeeper: Gauthier Gallon
• Defence: Luc Marijnissen, Kobe Cools, Bryan Goncalves
• Midfield: Marsoni Sambu, Noah Mbamba, Malcolm Viltard, Fabio Ferraro, Roman Kvet
• Forward: David Toshevski, Bruny Nsimba

FCV Dender EH: Tactics & Formation

FCV Dender EH Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible, likely to use a 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Bruny Nsimba
• Midfield Pivot: Noah Mbamba and Malcolm Viltard
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities.

FCV Dender EH often employ a flexible approach in their formation, most recently seen in a 4-4-2 setup. In this formation, the midfield is anchored by Noah Mbamba and Malcolm Viltard, who provide a blend of defensive coverage and transitional playmaking ability.

Offensively, the team rely heavily on the prowess of Bruny Nsimba, their top scorer, who works alongside David Toshevski to exploit defensive gaps. Their ability to strike during counterattacks, especially leveraging Nsimba’s speed, is a critical component of their strategy.

Defensively, FCV Dender EH have shown resilience, managing to secure two clean sheets in their last five matches. The defensive line, marshalled by Luc Marijnissen and Kobe Cools, focuses on maintaining a compact shape to disrupt the opposition’s play, often leading to opportunities from set-pieces.

Genk: Analysis & Recent Performance

Genk have been demonstrating strong form recently, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most notable performance was a 2-1 victory against Malmö FF in the Europa League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in international settings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Genk	Malmoe FF	2 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Genk	Cercle Bruges	1 – 1 (Draw)	Jupiler League	25 Jan 2026
FC Utrecht	Genk	0 – 2 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Zulte Waregem	Genk	2 – 1 (Loss)	Jupiler League	17 Jan 2026
Genk	Puskas FC Academy	1 – 0 (Win)	Club Friendlies	9 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WDWLW

Genk’s attack has been consistent, averaging 1.40 goals per match over their last five games, while defensively they have been relatively solid, conceding an average of 0.80 goals per match and recording two clean sheets. However, their away form has been less impressive, with only one win in the last five away fixtures, highlighting a potential vulnerability when playing outside their home ground. This suggests that while Genk are capable of producing results, their performances can fluctuate, particularly when not on home soil.

Genk: Suspensions & Injuries

Genk face a slight concern with the potential absence of Noah Adedeji-Sternberg, who is currently doubtful due to a muscle injury. While not a regular starter, Adedeji-Sternberg’s presence provides depth, particularly in the defensive line. His absence might not drastically alter the starting eleven, but it does limit Genk’s flexibility in making defensive adjustments during the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Noah Adedeji-Sternberg	Muscle injury	Doubtful

Given the current squad setup, coach Nicky Hayen might need to rely on the existing defensive players such as Zakaria El Ouahdi and Mujaid Sadick to maintain stability at the back. Fortunately, with no suspensions affecting the team, Genk can otherwise field a strong lineup, potentially allowing them to focus on their offensive prowess.

The lack of suspensions is a positive sign for Genk, as it allows them to maintain their usual tactical approach. With a full complement of forwards such as Hyun-Gyu Oh and Junya Ito, the team are well-positioned to continue their attacking style. This could prove advantageous against FCV Dender EH, as maintaining offensive pressure will be crucial in overcoming any defensive limitations due to Adedeji-Sternberg’s potential absence.

From a betting perspective, the minimal impact of injuries and the absence of suspensions means Genk remain a formidable opponent. Bettors could view Genk’s offensive capabilities as a significant factor, potentially skewing odds in their favour, despite the slight concern over squad depth.

Genk: Key Players

Genk’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by Hyun-Gyu Oh, the team’s top scorer with six goals this season. Oh’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Junya Ito, who is known for his blistering pace and precise crossing from the wing, could be pivotal in breaking down opposition defences. Ito’s ability to stretch the play and deliver key passes is likely to create numerous opportunities for Oh and his fellow attackers.

In the heart of midfield, Bryan Heynen is an influential figure for Genk. Known for his vision and passing accuracy, Heynen orchestrates the team’s play, dictating the tempo and linking defence with attack. His tactical awareness and leadership on the pitch are vital for maintaining Genk’s structure and discipline. Defensively, Mujaid Sadick stands out with his robust defending and aerial prowess, providing stability at the back and ensuring that Genk remain solid against counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Genk

• Goalkeeper: Tobias Lawal
• Defence: Zakaria El Ouahdi, Mujaid Sadick, Matte Smets, Yaimar Medina
• Midfield: Daan Heymans, Bryan Heynen, Konstantinos Karetsas
• Forward: Junya Ito, Yira Sor, Aaron Bibout

Genk: Tactics & Formation

Genk Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Not specified
• Key Forward: Hyun-Gyu Oh
• Midfield Engine: Bryan Heynen
• Defensive Setup: Recent defensive vulnerabilities with no clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and attacking width.

Genk’s recent performances have been characterised by a focus on possession, as evidenced by their 61% possession in the last game against Malmö FF. The midfield trio, led by Bryan Heynen, plays a pivotal role in dictating the tempo and transitioning the ball from defence to attack.

Offensively, Hyun-Gyu Oh is the focal point, leveraging his goal-scoring prowess, having netted six goals this season. Supported by Jarne Steuckers and Junya Ito on the wings, Genk aim to exploit the flanks, creating width and stretching opposition defences.

Defensively, Genk have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. The backline, including Mujaid Sadick and Yaimar Medina, will need to tighten up to prevent conceding goals, particularly against high-pressure opponents.

FCV Dender EH vs Genk: Head-to-Head Record

Looking at the head-to-head record, Genk have dominated this fixture with six wins out of seven meetings, leaving FCV Dender EH with just a single victory. The last encounter saw Genk secure a 2-1 win at home in the Belgian Pro League, continuing their strong form against Dender.

The last time FCV Dender EH hosted Genk, they fell short with a 0-1 loss back in March 2025. Historically, Genk have been formidable visitors, consistently finding the back of the net and keeping Dender at bay.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Genk	FCV Dender EH	2 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-10-05
FCV Dender EH	Genk	0 – 1	Belgian Pro League	2025-03-08
Genk	FCV Dender EH	4 – 0	Belgian Pro League	2024-09-22
Genk	FCV Dender EH	4 – 3	Jupiler League	2009-03-07
FCV Dender EH	Genk	2 – 4	Jupiler League	2008-10-18