Match Preview – Top eight race on the line in Herning

The new league phase format of the UEFA Europa League has delivered a string of heavyweight clashes, and Midtjylland vs Genk is one of the most important. The Danish side have been one of the surprise stories of the competition so far and sit in the top two of the overall table after five games. Genk, meanwhile, are firmly in the top ten and know that a positive result in Herning will keep them on course for a seeded place in the knockouts.

According to UEFA and live score providers, the game is scheduled for Thursday 11 December 2025, with kick off at 17:45 UTC, which corresponds to 18:45 local time in Herning (Europe/Copenhagen time zone). The venue is the compact but atmospheric MCH Arena, a stadium that is notoriously difficult for visiting sides, particularly on cold winter evenings.

Midtjylland come into this fixture after a remarkable league phase run. The Danish champions put together a perfect start with four wins from four before finally suffering their first loss away to AS Roma, a narrow 2-1 defeat in which they scored late and pushed the Italians hard. That result left them on 12 points from 5 games, level with Lyon and Aston Villa at the top of the table and with a goal difference of plus seven.

For Genk, the league phase has also been highly encouraging. The Belgian side have collected 10 points from 5 matches, with a record of three wins, one draw and one defeat, and a positive goal difference of plus two. Their results include strong performances against sides like Sturm Graz and Nice, and they arrive in Denmark knowing that even a point would keep them in an excellent position before the final round of games.

The tactical contrast between the two teams is one of the reasons this match is so intriguing. Midtjylland are renowned for their use of data and set piece innovation, but on the pitch they also offer high energy pressing, quick transitions and a direct route to goal when needed. At MCH Arena they tend to start fast, pinning opponents back with aggressive pressing and attacking full backs. Their early league phase wins showed exactly that blueprint: intense first halves, plenty of crosses and no fear in committing players into the box.

Genk, on the other hand, are traditionally one of Belgium’s best producers of attacking talent and prefer a more possession based approach. They are comfortable building from the back, using their midfield to create triangles and pulling opponents out of shape with patient circulation. When the opportunity opens up, their forwards are quick to attack the half spaces or threaten in behind. In the Europa League so far they have combined that technical quality with a strong work rate, which is essential in a league phase full of long away trips and varying styles.

Mentally, Midtjylland will still feel confident despite the setback in Rome. That first defeat ended their perfect run, but it also underlined that they can compete with clubs from the top five leagues. At home they have been almost flawless in Europe in recent seasons, and the players know that a win here would virtually lock in a place in the top eight of the league phase table.

For Genk, this match is a chance to make a statement. The Belgian press has highlighted how close they already are to the top eight, and a win away to one of the league phase leaders would send a clear message to the rest of the competition. It would also give them breathing space over the sides just below them in the standings, who are separated by only a few points in a very tight mid section of the table.

The key individual duels are likely to be found in midfield. Midtjylland will look to disrupt Genk’s passing rhythm with energetic pressing from their central trio, while Genk will try to use their number six and number eight to play through that pressure and launch their creative players between the lines. Whichever team manages to control that central zone for longer spells will probably create the better chances.

Set pieces could also prove decisive. Midtjylland’s reputation as one of Europe’s smartest set play teams is well earned, and they frequently find goals from corners and wide free kicks. Genk, though, have strong aerial threats of their own and have improved defensively on dead balls as the league phase has progressed.

Overall, everything points towards a balanced and high level European tie: a league phase leader playing at home, a technically gifted opponent chasing a top eight spot, and a table in which every point can change the picture. Expect intensity, tactical detail and long spells where one small mistake might decide the outcome.

TV Broadcast and Livestream

As a featured game in the Europa League League Phase, Midtjylland vs Genk will be available worldwide through UEFA’s official broadcast partners.

• United Kingdom and Ireland: all Europa League games in 2025-26 are shown on TNT Sports, with live streaming through the discovery+ platform. The fixture is listed for live coverage at 17:45 UK time on discovery+.
• Denmark: coverage is provided via UEFA’s local rights holders, with the match shown on national sports channels and associated streaming services. Fans should check local listings closer to kick off.
• Rest of Europe: television and streaming are available via a range of partners, including DAZN, Canal+, Viaplay, RTL, Ziggo Sport and others depending on the country.
• Other regions: in many territories the Europa League Live Stream is offered by major sports platforms such as Paramount+, beIN Sports, ESPN or regional partners. Consult the official UEFA broadcast partner list for full details.

Availability of Midtjylland vs Genk live can vary by territory. Always use licensed broadcasters and legal streaming services.

Match Information

Odds 1X2 – Midtjylland vs Genk

Leading European bookmakers make Midtjylland clear favourites at home, but the prices also respect the quality of Genk and leave room for a competitive match. Below are indicative decimal odds based on several major markets.

Ranges compiled from Smarkets, Tips.gg and several odds comparison sites in the week before the match. Exact prices will move as kick off approaches, so always check live odds with licensed bookmakers.

Form and Head to Head

Recent form – last 5 Europa League league phase games

Overall standings in the league phase (after 5 games)

Positions and points taken from the published league phase table ahead of matchday six, with Lyon, Midtjylland and Aston Villa all level on 12 points at the top and Genk two points back in ninth.

Head to head

This league phase clash continues a relatively fresh European head to head between Midtjylland and Genk. UEFA’s official records list only a small number of meetings between the clubs, so there is no long historical trend to lean on. The most recent head to head data highlights Midtjylland’s strong home record in Europe and Genk’s mixed away form, which is reflected in how bookmakers are pricing the match.

Midtjylland vs Genk Prediction

On balance, Midtjylland deserve their status as favorites. They are outstanding at home, have already beaten high level opposition in this league phase and sit above Genk in the overall table. Their attacking structure and set piece threat should ensure that they create a steady flow of chances in front of their own fans.

At the same time, this is unlikely to be a one sided contest. Genk have the technical quality to hurt Midtjylland if they can escape the initial press and dictate spells of possession. Their record of three wins and a draw from five games shows that they can handle different kinds of opponents and find solutions even under pressure.

Many predictive models and tipster sites lean toward a tight game, with some suggesting a 1-1 draw as a logical outcome based on underlying numbers. That fits with the idea of a very competitive ninety minutes in which both sides score but neither fully dominates.

Taking into account home advantage, Midtjylland’s slightly stronger overall form and Genk’s ability to respond, a narrow home win looks like a realistic scenario.

Correct score prediction: Midtjylland 2 – 1 Genk