Genk vs Freiburg prediction 12.03.2026 | Europa League

Genk resume their Europa League campaign following a 2:1 defeat at Belgian Pro League leaders USG last weekend. Daan Heymans second-half penalty proved consolation only for Nicky Hayen's side.

The Smurfs have gone through something of a dip in form after a promising start to the year. Genk won seven of their last 11 games, but failed to win three of their four most recent fixtures. 

Frequently involved in high-scoring outcomes, all but one of Genk's last nine games finished with at least three goals scored. Thirteen goals were scored in their three previous Europa League encounters, including a dramatic 3:3 draw against Dinamo Zagreb last month. 

Head coach Hayen has just one confirmed absentee this week. August De Wannemacker is ruled out for the Belgians. Bryan Heynen is available after serving a domestic suspension against USG last weekend.

Freiburg make the trip to Belgium after picking up a point in an absorbing Bundesliga contest against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. After twice throwing away the lead, Julian Schuster's side needed a late goal from Matthias Ginter to rescue a 3:3 draw at Europa-Park-Stadion.

The Breisgau-Brasilianer have been far from at their best in recent weeks, with only two wins recorded from eight games played since the end of January. 

Defensive vulnerabilities have been evident in recent performances, with the Germans conceding nine goals across their four most recent fixtures. Three of those matches finished with a minimum of three goals scored. 

On the road, Freiburg have been especially poor this year. Schuster's men slipped to defeat in five of seven previous away matches across all competitions. 

Head coach Schuster has three players missing for Thursday's Europa League round of sixteen contest. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Max Rosenfelder and Lukas Kübler are all ruled out for this fixture.