Charleroi vs Genk — Match Preview
A crucial Friday night fixture in the Belgian Pro League takes place at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi on Friday, 19 December 2025. Charleroi (12th) are looking to break a poor run of form, having won just once in their last five league games. The Zebras are under pressure to put distance between themselves and the relegation zone. Genk (7th), meanwhile, are fighting to break into the Championship Playoff spots (Top 6). After a disappointing 0–3 loss to Antwerp and a European defeat to Midtjylland, Genk need a response to keep their season on track.
Charleroi vs Genk — Match Info
- Competition: Belgian Pro League (Matchday 19)
- Venue: Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Charleroi (Capacity: 15,000)
- Date: Friday, 19 December 2025
- Kickoff: 20:45 CET | 19:45 GMT
- Referee: TBC (KBVB Appointment)
Charleroi vs Genk — Match Stakes
Charleroi (12th — 20 pts):
- Win → Moves to ~23 pts; creates breathing room from the bottom 4
- Draw → Keeps the points ticking but extends winless streak
- Loss → Risk dropping closer to the relegation play-offs; pressure mounts on Rik De Mil
Genk (7th — 24 pts):
- Win → Moves to 27 pts; puts huge pressure on the Top 6
- Draw → Stagnation; likely drops further behind Club Brugge and Antwerp
- Loss → Could drop to 8th/9th; crisis mode fully activated after 3 straight losses
Charleroi vs Genk — Team News
Charleroi:
- Lietaert J. — Out (Knee Injury – Long term)
- Ousou A. — Out (Suspension)
- Heymans D. — Available (Key Midfielder)
- Zorgane A. — Available (Captain)
Genk:
- Oyen L. — Out (Rehabilitation)
- Cuesta C. — Questionable (Muscle Injury)
- Heynen B. — Questionable (Knock)
- Arokodare T. — Available (Top Scorer)
Charleroi vs Genk — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Charleroi
- 14/12 — 1–1 vs Union SG (League)
- 07/12 — 0–1 vs KV Mechelen (League)
- 05/12 — 2–0 vs KV Mechelen (Cup)
- 30/11 — 0–0 vs RAAL La Louvière (League)
- 23/11 — 0–1 vs Club Brugge (League)
Genk
- 14/12 — 1–1 vs Westerlo (League)
- 11/12 — 0–1 vs Midtjylland (Europa League)
- 07/12 — 0–3 vs Antwerp (League)
- 05/12 — 1–3 vs Anderlecht (Cup)
- 30/11 — 2–1 vs OH Leuven (League)
Charleroi vs Genk — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 18/09/2025 — Genk 0–1 Charleroi
- 01/03/2025 — Charleroi 1–1 Genk
- 24/11/2024 — Genk 3–0 Charleroi
- 06/07/2024 — Genk 3–3 Charleroi (Friendly)
- 24/02/2024 — Charleroi 0–1 Genk
Charleroi vs Genk — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Charleroi (3-5-2)
Koné; Boukamir, Andreou, Dragsnes; Petris, Zorgane, Camara, Guiagon, Rogelj; Mbenza, Heymans
Genk (4-2-3-1)
Van Crombrugge; El Ouahdi, Smets, McKenzie, Kayembe; Hrošovský, Sattlberger; Steuckers, Karetsas, Bonsu Baah; Arokodare
Charleroi vs Genk — Impact Bench
Charleroi: Bernier (Creative spark), Sylla (Target man)
Genk: Sor (Pace on wing), Oh (Striker option)
Charleroi vs Genk — Tactical Analysis
Charleroi
At home, Charleroi will try to keep it tight and hit on the break. Their main issue has been scoring goals (only 1 in their last 3 league games). They rely heavily on Adem Zorgane to control the midfield and release the wing-backs. Without Ousou at the back, they might be vulnerable to Genk’s crosses.
Genk
Thorsten Fink’s side loves possession but has been fragile defensively in transition. They will look to overload the midfield with young talent Kos Karetsas pulling the strings. Tolu Arokodare needs to be clinical; Genk create chances but often fail to kill games off, as seen against Westerlo.
Charleroi vs Genk — Key Battles
- Andreou vs Arokodare — physical battle in the box
- Camara vs Karetsas — stopping the young playmaker
- Petris vs Kayembe — speed vs speed on the flank
- Koné vs Steuckers — goalkeeper vs long-range shooter
Charleroi vs Genk — Spotlight Players
Charleroi — Parfait Guiagon
The Ivorian midfielder is the creative heartbeat of this team. If Charleroi are to score, it likely comes from his dribbling or a killer pass.
Genk — Konstantinos Karetsas
The teenager is Genk’s brightest spark. His vision is elite for his age. With Heynen doubtful, Karetsas must step up and lead the attack.
Charleroi vs Genk — Prediction
Charleroi 1–2 Genk
Genk have more individual quality and are desperate to end their slump. Charleroi’s lack of goals is a major concern. Expect a tight game, but Genk’s attacking depth should edge it.
Charleroi vs Genk — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Genk to Win (Draw No Bet) — Safer option
Charleroi vs Genk — Where to Watch
- Belgium: DAZN (Eleven Sports)
- International: ESPN (Select Regions)
Charleroi vs Genk — FAQs
Q: When is the Charleroi vs Genk match?
A: The match kicks off on Friday, 19 December 2025, at 20:45 CET.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: Genk are slight favorites due to their superior squad depth.
Q: Is Bryan Heynen playing?
A: He is questionable with a knock but could feature on the bench.
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