Spanish teams have been among the continent’s most successful clubs in European competition over the last decade and even though Celta Vigo’s domestic form has been underwhelming at best, they must still be considered dark horses for the Europa League. Under Argentinean manager Eduardo Berizzo, Celta Vigo sit 10th in La Liga having conceded more goals than any other side the top half of the table.
KRC Genk finished 8th in the first part of the complicated Belgian league structure, qualifying for the secondary Europa League Play-Off section where they hope to earn a place in the continental competition for successive years. They have only lost once in their last 13 fixtures in all competitions, keeping clean sheets in 7 of those games.
Although KRC Genk are in better form than Celta Vigo, the general gap in quality between Spain’s La Liga and Belgium’s Pro League is quite big. In simple terms, KRC Genk are probably the weakest side left in the Europa League and have it all to do to get past their Spanish opponents. Read our detailed Celta Vigo vs KRC Genk betting tips below.
At 5/1, KRC Genk have been given the longest odds of any team to win their respective game in the Europa League on Thursday night. They are also the rank outsiders to win the competition outright at 33/1. Those odds should point you in the probable direction this game is heading. A KRC Genk victory in Celta Vigo would need a monumental performance from the visitors and a massive off night for the host. Stranger things have happened of course and football has always been the most unpredictable of sports – however, I’m still going for a home win here.
Celta Vigo have only kept 1 clean sheet in their last 4, so it’s conceivable that KRC Genk might nick a goal in Spain. William Hill have odds of 13/5 for Celta Vigo to win and both teams to score which is a very generous offer. Iago Aspas has found his touch in front of goal this season and is Celta Vigo’s leading scorer. Bet65 have odds of 4/5 for him to score anytime on Thursday.