Experience could be the difference maker here when Gent, who are returning for their fifth campaign in the UEFA Conference League, open their 2026/27 campaign against an inexperienced European outfit in Denmark’s Aarhus.
Match News and Current Form
Sitting atop the Jupiler Pro League, Gent are in fine form under manager Rik De Mil, who has overseen a 15-game undefeated streak in all competitions (W11, D4). Six of those came in Europe (W2, D4) where the Buffalos came through three qualifying rounds to reach the league phase, although they failed to win any of their three home games therein. The Belgian side are seasoned campaigners in this competition with this set to be their 37th game in the Conference League - only two sides have played more. Gent have suffered the joint-most defeats (13), but wins in each of their last seven group stage/league phase home games by an aggregate score of 21-2 reinforce their favourites tag.
Aarhus return to the main draw of a European competition for the first time in the 21st century, with their last such appearance coming in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup. This tournament is their destination after losing 6-2 on aggregate to Benfica in the Europa League qualifying play-off, with that pair of defeats making up a total of seven from their last 11 European matches (W3, D1). Jakob Poulsen’s men have struggled for wins in general, as they come into this game with just one victory in their previous 11 matches (D3, L7).
Head-to-Head History
These two clubs have never met before. Gent have lost just one of their four meetings with Danish teams (W1, D2), while Aarhus have lost three of their previous four ties against Belgian outfits (W1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Gent’s last seven European matches produced under 2.5 goals.
Just one of Gent’s last ten home matches was decided by a 2+ goal margin.
Five of Aarhus’ six European games this term saw both teams score.
Aarhus have conceded 2+ goals in seven of their last eight away games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Gent’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha has scored the game’s first or last goal in his last ten scoring appearances. Aarhus’ Tobias Bech has scored 13 of his last 16 goals away from home, with his two strikes this term coming between the 30th minute and half-time.
Gent’s Josué Vergara and László Bénes sat out their last game, while Aarhus’ Tómas Kristjánsson has a broken hand.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Backing Gent to win with both teams scoring seems the logical play as form lies with the home side but the visitors are often involved in high-scoring games.
Author: Peter Stavrinou