Zulte Waregem vs Genk Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Zulte Waregem at home to Genk. On paper, it's a mid-table clash, but the form book and the history books tell a very different story.

First up, Zulte. Blimey, they're having a rough time of it. They haven't won a single game in their last ten outings. Not one. Five draws and five losses is the sorry tale. They're shipping goals left, right, and centre – 19 conceded in those ten games – and only keeping one clean sheet. At home, it's even worse: no wins in their last three, conceding over two goals a game. Look at the scores: a 4-1 hiding from Union St. Gilloise, a 2-2 draw with strugglers Dender, and another 2-2 with RAAL La Louvière. They're finding ways not to win, but they are scoring – they've netted in 8 of those 10 games.

Now, Genk. They're not exactly flying high either, sitting ninth, but they've at least got a few wins under their belt recently. Their form is a bit all over the shop: a thrilling 5-3 loss to Club Brugge, a 3-0 drubbing at Antwerp, but also a win over OH Leuven and a decent draw with Anderlecht in the cup. The key stat for them? They create chances. Lots of 'em. They average nearly 17 shots a game, with over six on target. They should be scoring more than they are, especially away from home where they've only managed 0.75 goals per game recently.

But here's the kicker, the head-to-head record. It's brutal for Zulte. In the last nine meetings, Genk have won eight. Eight! Zulte's only win came away from home. At their own gaff, they've lost all four times they've hosted Genk. The last time they met, back in August, Genk edged a five-goal thriller 3-2. Genk just seem to have their number.

So, what's gonna happen? Well, Zulte are desperate for a win, but they can't buy one. Genk love playing against them, but aren't exactly world-beaters on the road. Both defences are about as solid as a wet paper bag. Zulte concede 1.9 per game, Genk concede 1.9 per game. Both teams have scored in 80% of Zulte's last ten and 70% of Genk's.

This has goals written all over it. The bookies think so too, with Over 2.5 Goals at a short 1.67 and Both Teams to Score 'Yes' at 1.57. For me, the safest play in this chaos is backing both teams to find the net. Zulte will probably score – they usually do – but their defence is too leaky to keep a Genk side that dominates possession and creates chances at bay. Genk's defence isn't much better, so Zulte should get their customary goal.

Key Points:

Zulte Waregem are winless in 10 games (0W, 5D, 5L).

Genk have won 8 of the last 9 head-to-head meetings.

Both teams have conceded an average of 1.9 goals per game in their last 10.

Both Teams Have Scored in 80% of Zulte's and 70% of Genk's recent matches.

• Zulte have failed to win any of their last four home games against Genk.

The Simple Tip: All the signs point to goals at both ends. Zulte's defence is too generous, and Genk's historical dominance should see them create plenty. I'm backing Both Teams to Score - Yes.