Selta — Union Saint-Genis: preview
We have the lineups for the encounter between Selta and Union Saint-Genis in the fourth round of the common phase of the 2026/27 Champions League. "Selta" returns to Europe after a tough defeat in the championship, while "Union" arrives with a promotion and impressive productivity. The Galicians will have to keep up with the opponent, who is used to dictating the conditions.
Key points
Selta
1. After success in European competitions, the fall
"Selta" managed to delight fans with a victory over "Seltik" in Glasgow – 2:1, but could not consolidate that result. The first half ended 0:0 with "Betis", and then they lost 3‑0 to "Rayo Valenciano". Earlier, in the championship, the Galicians beat "Alaves" 2:1, and in the Champions League they were defeated by "Juventus" – 1:2. Thus, in Europe, the team achieved a result even away, but in the national league stability is still lacking. In Valdeca, "Selta" seemed slower than the opponent, lost structure and barely found solutions against intense pressure. Now it is essential to return quickly to European mode.
2. With the full absence of Giraldez, it will be difficult to build the optimal team
Carlos Starfelt, Miguel Roman, Borja Iglesias, Alvaro Nunez and Jon El-Abdelloui were ruled out. The five are still recovering from injuries and are not expected to return by Thursday. Ugo Gonzales’ story is separate: he left the field before the match with "Rayo" due to discomfort in the agonist muscle. Later, the study showed overload, not a serious injury, but his availability to face the Belgians remains doubtful. For Giraldez, it is delicate: the coach loses the ability to rotate freely the squad, especially in defense and attack.
3. Against the Belgians, the Galicians have a good history
"Selta" has a curious wildcard that should not be discarded. In the last eight meetings with Belgian clubs, they never lost: three wins and five draws. However, the current opponent is a serious challenge to that streak. "Union Saint-Genis" plays with three central defenders, activates the fullbacks and tries to impose a high tempo. Spanish press highlights the Belgian physical power and their ability to win individual duels.
Union Saint-Genis
1. The Belgians continue to accumulate victories
"Union Saint-Genis" arrives in Spain after beating "Beveren" – 2:1. Earlier, the team crushed "Skeel Brugge" 5:2 and delivered an even more convincing performance in the Champions League, sending four unanswered goals to the goalkeeper of "Hapoel" of Bera-Sheva. In European competitions, the Belgians also drew with "Real Sociedad" – 1:1. The latest results confirm that the team’s offensive potential works at maximum power, although the win over "Beveren" was not easy: the opponent scored a goal, and "Union" closed the match in the inferior position.
2. Losses affected both defense and attack
Kevin MacAllister is still recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture and will not help the team in the short term. Mateo Bondich and defender Ondje Kricfalusi are also out of play: Bondich suffered an ankle injury, and Kricfalusi has problems after a concussion. Rob Schofus and Ilan Hurtvent also appear on the medical lists. The final availability of the players requires confirmation closer to kickoff.
3. High tempo: a characteristic weapon of the visitors
"Union" not only accumulates points, but does so with impressive productivity. In ten league rounds, the team scored 29 goals and conceded only seven, and in the last five away league rounds of the Belgian league they achieved five wins. The combination of offensive speed, physical power and activity in the back plays can create problems for "Selta"’s defense. Much will depend on who wins the battle for tempo and space.
Approximate lineups
3-4-3 3-1-4-2 13
Andrey Radu 3
Alonso 21
Caseres 20
Rodriguez 30
Burcio 14
Febas 5
Carrera 17
Rueda 23
Alvarez 10
Aspas 9
Utgla 12
Koffi 4
Chibani 29
Sylla 55
Havenaar 6
K. Van de Perre 27
Patris 28
Olaru 23
Zeneli 11
Smith 9
Flores 38
Mofokeng
Betting on the trend
In five of the last seven rounds of "Selta" and five of the last nine rounds of "Union" at least three goals were scored. Bet: TB2,5 at 1.69.
In six of the last rounds, both "Selta" and "Union" did not score more than one goal in the first half. Bet: TM1,5 in the first half at 1.62.
Forecast
Selta vs Union Saint-Genis 06.11.2026 00:00
"Selta" has arguments in its favor: the victory over "Seltik" in Glasgow showed that the team can achieve results in Europe, but the last league matches revealed stability problems – after drawing with "Betis" the Galicians gave up to "Rayo" 0:3, without overcoming pressure. The squad situation limits Giraldez’s choices: several players remain out of play, and Ugo Gonzales’ availability remains uncertain. However, the history against Belgian clubs is positive – eight matches without defeat. "Union" arrives at the match in a more balanced state: the team won the last three matches, scored eleven goals, and remains unbeaten in the league after ten rounds. The visitors also suffer losses, including Kevin MacAllister, and the win over "Beveren" was not easy. The main resource of the Belgians is a powerful offense and the ability to maintain a high tempo. If "Selta" allows the opponent to accelerate the attacks, the advantage will be with the visitors.
Forecast: 1-2
