Antwerp sit second in the early Pro League table after two wins, but both sides make four changes to their starting elevens, turning this into a test of squad depth. Genk fell to a narrow away defeat last time out yet their underlying numbers — a high xG for and the meanest xG ag…
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Sign inAntwerp welcome Genk to their home ground on Saturday evening for matchday three of the 2026-27 Jupiler Pro League, with the hosts sitting on a perfect six points and the visitors hoping new signing Jerry Afriyie can ignite their season.
Genk could hand a debut to Ghanaian forward Jerry Afriyie after he completed a permanent move from Saudi side Al Qadsiah. The 19-year-old, who scored five goals on loan at La Louvière last season, has signed a deal until 2031. Sporting director Dimitri De Condé praised his “pace, explosiveness, runs in behind, and the ability to cause problems in one‑v‑one situations”, adding that Afriyie will be given the right environment to continue his development. His direct running and youthful energy add a fresh dimension to Genk’s attack as they seek to build momentum.
Antwerp have opened the campaign with two wins from two, placing them second in the early standings. They cruised to a 3‑0 victory at Kortrijk on 16 August before fighting past Waasland‑Beveren 2‑1 at home a week later. Those results have yielded five goals and showcased a side that already looks well‑drilled in the final third. The squad appears settled, a continuation of the form that saw them draw 0‑0 at Genk in last season’s playoff round, a result that underlined how evenly matched these two can be.
Genk’s own start has been less assured. They lost their opening fixture by a single goal before bouncing back with a victory in their second outing, leaving them on three points with an even goal difference. The underlying numbers suggest a team still searching for rhythm, and the injection of Afriyie’s talent is clearly designed to sharpen their cutting edge. The contest at Antwerp will be a stern test of whether their new recruit can click immediately.
Antwerp have kept one clean sheet so far – the shutout at Kortrijk – but conceded to Waasland‑Beveren, hinting at occasional vulnerability. Genk will look to exploit any space through Afriyie’s pace and the movement of their forward line. The midfield tussle will be crucial, with Antwerp’s ability to control possession likely to dictate how often Genk can spring forward. The last head‑to‑head ended in a goalless stalemate, a reminder that both defences are capable of standing firm.
A win for Antwerp would keep them among the early pace‑setters, while Genk will view the fixture as an opportunity to climb the table and inject belief ahead of the busy weeks to come.
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