The team aligned by Ivan Leko in Genk should be similar to the one which shared the stake in Charleroi last weekend. Except that in the goals, Matthieu Epolo will take his place for the benefit of Arnaud Bodart, injured.
This Wednesday, Ivan Leko will once again be forced to rack his brains to compose the team which will challenge Genk in the 1/8 finals of the Belgian Cup. Indeed, the Croatian coach has to deal with numerous injuries… including that of Arnaud Bodart, whose leak to the press caused great frustration among T1. The former captain of Rouches will therefore see Matthieu Epolo take his place.
Sutalo… or already prepare for his absence against Louvain?
In defense, the unknowns are still rare due to the numerous injuries. Marlon Fossey and Ilay Camara should occupy the corridors, Ibe Hautekiet and Bosko Sutalo (suspended Saturday against Louvain) the central defense, in the same way as Henry Lawrence. Having joined the game in Charleroi, Boli Bolingoli should see his playing time increase. Since Noubi is still not part of the plans, the other solution would be to align, as in the 1st round against Lyra-Lierse, Aiden O’Neill in central defense, to prepare for the reception of Louvain during which the Australian could be assigned a similar role. A less plausible solution, however.
In midfield (let’s assume that Aiden O’Neill, captain, will be aligned there), Léandre Kuavita and Isaac Price would be retained. Kuavita has an interesting running volume for the loose game which Leko likes to take advantage of, while the Northern Irishman seems more capable of carrying out defensive tasks than Marko Bulat and Sotiris Alexandropoulos. The Croatian coach could, however, take advantage of this Cup meeting to try to change things.
Ahead, still no surprises. In good shape, Andi Zeqiri will once again be lined up, and accompanied by Dennis Ayensa. The duo still needs to learn how to find each other better on the pitch.
The probable composition of Standard at Genk: Epolo – Fossey, Sutalo, Hautekiet, Lawrence, Camara – O’Neill, Kuavita, Price – Zeqiri, Ayensa.
