Nottingham Forest continue their European journey by travelling to the Netherlands to face Utrecht in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) on Thursday evening. They were convincing 3-0 winners at home to Malmo last time out in the competition, but were defeated by the same scoreline away at Everton in the Premier League last weekend.
Meanwhile, Utrecht narrowly lost 2-1 away at Real Betis in the previous round of UEL fixtures, and were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Twente in the Eredivisie over the weekend. Nonetheless, both teams are not in the best of form heading into this clash.
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Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest prediction: Both sides to shake on a draw?
Key stats
- Utrecht are winless in five UEL games, losing four of them.
- Forest have won four of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Utrecht are unbeaten in six home games across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Utrecht 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Forest’s frailties showed at Everton, and so Sean Dyche may be a bit more cautious in this European fixture. Utrecht have been strong on home soil in recent matches, and so we can see a draw being played out here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Forest favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Forest have been installed as the overwhelming favourites with bookmakers to take home all three points. A draw can be backed at just under 26%, while a Utrecht victory is rated at just under 22%.
Also, do not forget to check out more of our football betting tips page for more of our expert UEL predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams in a competitive sense. Forest will be the first English opponent Utrecht have faced so far this season, and likewise the hosts will be Forest’s first Dutch opponents.
Utrecht preview: Plenty of absentees
Utrecht will unfortunately be without a number of squad players ahead of this clash. Emirhan Demircan, Ivar Jenner, Victor Jensen, David Min, Noah Ohio and Davy van den Berg are all expected to miss out.
Predicted lineup: Barkas (GK); Horemans, Van der Hoorn, Viergever, El Karouani; Engwanda, de Wit, Zechiel; Rodriguez, Haller & Cathline
Last five results:
- Utrecht 1-1 Twente
- Go Ahead Eagles 2-2 Utrecht
- Real Betis 2-1 Utrecht
- Telstar 1-1 Utrecht
- Utrecht 2-1 Ajax
Nottingham Forest preview: Murillo a doubt
Murillo is a doubt for Forest through illness, while Ryan Yates is facing a race against time to be fit. There are plenty of players on the treatment table for the Tricky Trees.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Savona, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez & Jesus
Last five results:
- Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest
- Wolves 0-1 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brighton
- Nottingham Forest 3-0 Malmo
- Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham Forest
Player to watch: Sebastien Haller
Sebastien Haller may be a familiar name to Forest fans given his past exploits in the Premier League. Indeed, the striker has played for high-profile clubs like West Ham and Borussia Dortmund, and can be deadly in front of goal.