Still searching for their first win of the Europa League campaign, Utrecht welcome Porto to Stadion Galgenwaard on Thursday for round four action.
The Cupfighters have endured a difficult start in Europe, losing each of their opening three matches in the competition, which leaves them second from bottom in the 36-team standings.
However, Utrecht head into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 Eredivisie win over Nijmegen, a result that ended a two-game losing streak in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the visitors dropped to 16th after suffering their first defeat of the campaign away to Nottingham Forest last time out, following victories in their opening two fixtures.
That setback at the City Ground appeared to be no more than a brief stumble in what has otherwise been an excellent 2025-26 season for Porto, who arrive in the Netherlands fresh from a 2-1 league win over Braga in the Primeira Liga.
Read our Utrecht vs Porto predictions and preview to find out more, and remember to check our other UEFA Europa League predictions.
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Utrecht vs Porto prediction: Will the visitors capitalise on Utrecht’s struggles?
Key stats:
- Porto have won 12 of their 14 matches across all competitions this season.
- Utrecht have suffered seven defeats in their last 10 games in all competitions (W2, D1).
- The Dragons have scored two or more goals in six of their eight competitive away fixtures this term.
- The Portuguese giants won both previous meetings with Utrecht.
Correct score prediction: Utrecht 1-2 Porto
Beyond the clear contrast in recent results between the two clubs, Porto also boast a stronger pedigree on the continental stage, which could prove decisive here.
Utrecht are still without a goal in the league phase, but that drought may well end on Thursday. However, given that the Dutch outfit have failed to net more than once in six of their last eight outings across all competitions, they are unlikely to trouble Porto’s defence heavily.
Meanwhile, the visitors have struck twice or more in six of their last nine fixtures, which supports the suggested scoreline of a narrow away win.
Pre-match analysis: Visitors tipped as favourites
- HOME: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- AWAY: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
These odds underline Porto’s superior standing heading into this clash. With a 57.1% win probability, the Portuguese side are seen as more than twice as likely to claim victory compared to Utrecht’s 23.8%.
Our hot tip of an away win or draw combined with under 3.5 goals is priced at 1.75, offering considerable value given Porto’s consistent form and defensive solidity this season.
Most recent H2H: First clash in over two decades
It has been more than 40 years since these sides last met. The most recent encounter came in 1982, when Porto triumphed 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao in the UEFA Cup (now Europa League), having already won the first leg 2-0.
Utrecht preview: Major absentees in defence and midfield
Utrecht will be without centre-back Mike van der Hoorn and right-back Niklas Vesterlund for this fixture. The midfield department is also depleted, with Victor Jensen, Dani de Wit, and Rafik El Arguioui all sidelined, while winger Yoann Cathline remains unavailable due to injury.
Predicted XI: Barkas (GK), Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani, Zechiel, Engwanda, Rodriguez, Min, Blake & Haller
Utrecht’s last five results:
- 02/11/25: Utrecht 1-0 Nijmegen (W)
- 26/10/25: AZ Alkmaar 4-1 Utrecht (L)
- 23/10/25: Freiburg 2-0 Utrecht (L)
- 18/10/25: Utrecht 3-1 FC Volendam (W)
- 05/10/25: Feyenoord 3-2 Utrecht (L)
Porto preview: No fresh injuries
Aside from long-term absentees Nehuen Perez and Luke de Jong, Porto have no fresh injury concerns heading into this clash. Head coach Francisco Farioli therefore has almost a full squad available for selection.
Predicted XI: Costa (GK), Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura, Varela, Froholdt, Pepe, Veiga, Sainz & Samu
Porto’s last five results:
- 02/11/25: Porto 2-1 Braga (W)
- 27/10/25: Moreirense 1-2 Porto (W)
- 23/10/25: Nottingham 2-0 Porto (L)
- 18/10/25: Celoricense 0-4 Porto (W)
- 05/10/25: Porto 0-0 Benfica (D)
Player to watch: Sebastien Haller
Utrecht striker Sebastien Haller has an impressive record against Portuguese opposition, having scored six goals in four previous appearances against such clubs in the main stage of European competition. The home fans will be hoping their star forward can continue that trend and inspire a much-needed turnaround in form.