KAA Gent open their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying campaign on Thursday (July 27) when they take on Zilina in the first leg of the second qualifying round at the Ghelamco Arena.
Gent wrapped up a solid pre-season on Wednesday with a 4-2 win over Zulte Waregem. Hein van Haezebrouck’s side won three of their four friendlies, with a 2-1 loss to Lokomotiva Zagreb on July 8 being the exception.
The hosts will now look to get one win on the board ahead of their 2023-24 Belgian Pro League opener against Kortrijk on July 30.
Zilina, meanwhile, picked up a 2-1 second-leg win over Levadia Tallinn to complete a 4-2 aggregate win in the Conference League first qualifying round. Sandwiched between two legs, Jaroslav Hynek's men drew goalless with Banik Ostrava in their final friendly game on July 15.
The visitors are unbeaten in nine games across competitions, winning five since a 4-2 loss against Spartak Trnava in the Slovakian top flight in May.
Off the back of a solid pre-season, Gent are in sky-high confidence as they look to begin their quest for European football on the right note. The Belgian side have been near impenetrable at home this year and will fancy their chances of a comfortable win.
Prediction: Gent 3-1 Zilina
Tip 1: Result - Gent
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals in Gent’s last ten outings.)
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes (Van Haezebrouck’s men have not kept a clean sheet in seven games.)
Read on sportskeeda.com