A 15-year European exile is within sight of ending for FC Utrecht, who travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier League champions HSK Zrinjski Mostar’s Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom in this UEFA Europa League first leg qualifier on Thursday, 21 August.
Keep close tabs on UEFA Europa League predictions after viewing our key Zrinjski vs Utrecht tips below.
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Zrinjski vs Utrecht prediction: The Cathedral Citizens to swoop victory
Key stats
- Zrinjski have won once in their last five competitive outings (D3, L1).
- The hosts have drawn three consecutive home games across all competitions.
- Utrecht have an aggregate victory score of 12-4 across their previous two qualifying rounds.
- The visitors have won just twice in their last four away competitive trips (D1, L2).
Correct score prediction: Zrinjski 0-1 Utrecht
Despite being eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Slovan Bratislava, Zrinjski bounced back to defeat Breidablik and advance to the final Europa League playoff round. Their momentum stalled, however, in a disappointing goalless draw with Siroki Brijeg to open the domestic season.
Utrecht, meanwhile, arrived in strong European form after dominating their previous qualifiers against Sheriff Tiraspol and Servette, respectively. Though they suffered a 2-1 Eredivisie loss to Sparta Rotterdam, their 4-0 thrashing of Heracles and overall attacking prowess make them favourites to beat the hosts. Ron Jans’ men are expected to take a decisive first-leg advantage as they target their first Europa League group stage appearance in over a decade.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Utrecht the favourites
- 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
This final round UEL qualifier first-leg encounter is a must-win scenario for the hosts, as they remain without a home triumph in four of their last five outings. They are backed by odds of 18/5 (4.60), which indicates a 21.7% probability of success.
Despite having succumbed to their first defeat of the season against Sparta, Utrecht remain favourites to claim a victory in this first of two clashes. The visitors are concrete favourites, priced at 7/10 (1.70) – a 58.8% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Zrinjski vs Utrecht predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Third meeting
The two sides met in the 2019/20 UEL first qualifying round, with Zrinjski emerging victorious in extra time in the second leg after a 1-1 first leg draw.
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 01/08/19
Zrinjski Mostar
FC Utrecht
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 25/07/19
FC Utrecht
Zrinjski Mostar
Zrinjski preview: Can they hold out Utrecht?
Igor Stimac has no real injury worries or suspensions to deal with for the first of two qualifiers.
Predicted lineup: Karacic (GK), Mamic, Barisic, Jakovljevic, Memija, Ivancic, Savic, Pranjic, Mikic, Kish & Bilbija
Europe Friendlies 31/01/25
D
Sutjeska Niksic
1
Zrinjski Mostar
1
Europe Friendlies 25/01/25
W
OFK Vrsac
0
Zrinjski Mostar
1
Europe Friendlies 18/01/25
W
NK Croatia Zmijavci
0
Zrinjski Mostar
1
Bosnia & Herzegovina Premier Liga 15/12/24
L
Radnik Bijeljina
2
Zrinjski Mostar
0
Bosnia & Herzegovina Premier Liga 08/12/24
W
Borac Banja Luka
0
Zrinjski Mostar
1
Utrecht preview: The visitors to bounce back to victory?
Rafik El Arguioui and Zidane Iqbal are both absentees for Ron Jans’ side.
Predicted lineup: Barkas (GK), El Karouani, Viergever, van der Hoorn, Horeman, Zechiel, Engwanda-Onjena, Jensen, Blake, Ogajo & M. Rodriguez
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/05/25
L
FC Twente
2
FC Utrecht
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 25/04/25
W
RKC
0
FC Utrecht
4
Netherlands Eredivisie 20/04/25
W
Ajax
0
FC Utrecht
4
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
W
FC Groningen
1
FC Utrecht
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
D
Go Ahead Eagles
2
FC Utrecht
2
Player to watch: Victor Jensen
Danish forward Jensen has shone bright for Utrecht in their recent Europa League outings, netting four goals in as many previous qualifiers, including a match-winning brace in the 2-1 second leg victory over Servette in the second qualifying round.