Allen Hamilton
What: Champions League – Group E
Who: Genk vs Chelsea
When: Tuesday 1st November, 2011, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Cristal Arena, Genk, Belgium
Europa League Still Within Reach
Genk may have yet to win a game in Group E, shipping seven goals from their three games, but will be cheered by the fact that Spaniards Valencia lie just one place and one point ahead in the standings. If Genk can grab four or five points from their remaining matches, then third spot and with it a Europa League entry may well be within reach.
At home the reigning champions are well off the pace, with conceding goals a problem plaguing Mario Been’s side. At the weekend Genk did secure an important victory, winning away to Club Brugge, a result which ended Dutch manager Adrie Koster’s spell in charge. The scoreline though, 5-4, again highlighted Genk’s defensive difficulties; difficulties Chelsea exploited to the full just two weeks ago when crushing the Belgians 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Been though is staying positive, telling his side to go out and put on a show for their supporters, remembering that they have everything to play for. "We have nothing to lose on Tuesday", said the former Feyenoord boss, "and we want to offer our fans a great game."
The Dutchman knows though that Chelsea must be off-colour for Genk to score a famous victory. "We have to have a great day and rely on a bad day for Chelsea. We have good things to take from Brugge and know what less good things to avoid. Then maybe we can take something from it."
Bouncing Straight Back
Andre Villas-Boas’ men were expected to steamroller Arsenal at the weekend, firmly showing their title credentials and demonstrating that Arsene Wenger’s side will be off the pace. Stamford Bridge did not witness a ruthless Blues display however, as Arsenal, inspired by Robin van Persie, breached Chelsea’s backline time and again, running out 5-3 winners.
In many ways, a clash against Genk should be the perfect medicine to heal a patient that has come down with a bout of fever. Two league defeats in a row have threatened to derail Villas-Boas’ revolution, and with a trip to Liverpool on 20th November looming, another loss is a real possibility. The Portuguese knows he must rebuild confidence and quickly.
It is for that reason that Villas-Boas will want to ensure a comfortable victory at Genk, rather than worry about a group the Blues are clearly dominating, knowing too that if they do so then qualification could arrive anyway.
"In the Champions League the scenario is another one", said Villas-Boas. "We can get in a very good position if we win the game. We have a chance of qualifying if Leverkusen wins. It’s a different situation."
Recent form
Genk:
Genk 2-0 Mons (22/10; Jupiler League)
Genk 0-2 Lierse (26/10; Belgian Cup)
Club Brugge 4-5 Genk
(29/10; Jupiler League)
Chelsea:
QPR 1-0 Chelsea
(23/10; Premier League)
Everton 1-2 Chelsea
(26/10; League Cup)
Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal (29/10; Premier League)
Key absences
Genk: Daniel Pudil (suspended)
Chelsea: Michael Essien; Didier Drogba; John Obi Mikel
Players to watch
Genk – Kevin De Bruyne: The babyfaced midfielder scored a hat-trick in the weekend win against Club Brugge and will hope to once again get in on the act against Chelsea. The clash carries a special significance for De Bruyne, who was chased by Chelsea throughout the summer and remains a target for Andre Villas-Boas. The Belgian can reinforce his value here.
Chelsea – Fernando Torres: Twice on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 5-0 drubbing of Genk just two weeks ago, Torres could not find the net against Arsenal at the weekend. Nevertheless, the Spaniard looks in a far better place than was the case a month or two ago. Lethal in front of goal and a player who clearly relishes the Champions League, Genk must watch Torres like a hawk.
Match Prediction
Genk have received a big boost from beating Club Brugge, but Jupiler League clashes and Champions League matches are chalk and cheese. Unfortunately for Been, the Belgian champions’ defence is not up to the task of keeping Chelsea at bay. Throw in Chelsea’s motivation to instantly erase the pain of the weekend, and only one result can be expected. Genk 0-3 Chelsea.
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