Union SG vs Genk: Preview as Durosinmi eyes a first goal in a month

Genk striker Rafiu Durosinmi seeks his first league goal since 10 October when the sixth-placed Belgians visit second-placed Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday evening.

The Nigerian forward has six Belgian Pro League goals in 10 starts this season, three of his first five coming from headers and two from penalties. He has not scored in Genk's last two league games, a 2-1 home win over Standard Liège and a 1-0 defeat at KV Mechelen.

Union arrive in form, with four wins and a draw from their last five games in all competitions, including a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo on 5 November. Genk's last five read two wins, a draw and two defeats.

Match facts

Form guide

Union beat Beveren 2-1 on 31 October and Cercle Brugge 5-2 on 25 October, and have scored four against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the same run. Genk beat Kortrijk 3-0 on 10 October, the day Durosinmi last scored, before the Standard win and the Mechelen loss.

Key battles: the Nigerian connection

Durosinmi against Union's back line

Durosinmi, listed at 192 cm, is the probable lone striker in Genk's predicted 4-2-3-1, with Union's defence expected to be built around Sylla and Havenaar. In September he said, “I want to score, I want to finish high in the standings, and I also want to go for the top scorer title. I have always dreamed of that.” Soccernet covered his fast start in Belgium and his 20-goal target in September.

Analysis: Why the aerial route may matter most

Durosinmi's goals have come mainly from headers and penalties, so his output depends on service and set pieces more than on open-play chances. Against a Union side that has been scoring freely, Genk may find more of the ball in wide areas than they would away to a weaker opponent, and crosses are where the striker is at his strongest.

If Union score early, Genk will have to chase the game, which usually means more crosses for a target man. That scenario gives Durosinmi a route back to goal even if the home side control the match.

Team news

Union are without Mateo Biondic, who is out until the end of November. Genk have no reported injury problems.

Union's form and an 11-point lead in the table give them the edge, and Genk lost at Mechelen last time out. Durosinmi's heading ability should still give Genk a goal.