The Matchday 6 fixture of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Utrecht (Netherlands) and Nottingham Forest (England) will take place on December 11 at the Galgenwaard Stadium. Utrecht – Nottingham Forest: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Utrecht
The Dutch side are still seeking their first victory in the main stage of the 2025/26 Europa League. After losing 1-2 to Real Betis last time out, the team extended their winless run in this competition to six matches (2 draws, 4 defeats). However, Utrecht have managed to score in two consecutive games after a four-match drought in the Europa League and remain among the least prolific sides in terms of goals. In the table the club sits 32nd, five points off the play-off places. Additionally, Utrecht have conceded in five consecutive Europa League matches.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of Utrecht’s last 7 matches in this competition.
- At home the club have avoided defeat in 10 of their previous 11 Europa League fixtures (4 wins, 6 draws).
- The team conceded in 5 of their last 6 home games in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup Utrecht (4-4-2)*
Michael Brouwer – Sibe Horemans, Mike van der Hoorn, Nick Viergever, Sufyan El-Karouani – Dani de Wit, Yoann Katlen, Alonzo Tim Engwanda-Onjena, Can Bozdogan – Miguel Rodriguez Vidal, Sebastian Alle.
Midfielder Dave van den Berg and forward David Min will miss out through injury.
Nottingham Forest
The English side thrashed Malmo 3-0 at home in the last round. As a result, Nottingham Forest have avoided defeat in 4 of their 5 Europa League outings (2 wins, 2 draws) and, for the first time in this campaign, scored more than two goals in a single game. Defensively, the team have been solid at the back, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in this competition. In the domestic table Sean Dyche’s men sit 16th, just two points off the top eight.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of the club’s previous matches at official level.
- Away, the club did not win in 8 of their last 10 matches in the Europa League and Premier League (4 draws, 4 defeats).
- In 5 of their last 6 away official matches the team scored no more than one goal.
Predicted lineup Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)*
John Victor – Murillo, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Zak Abbott – Ibrahim Sangare, James McAtee, Nicolas Dominguez – Arnaut Kalimuendo, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ryan Yates.
Injured: defenders Murillo, Douglas Luiz, Ola Aina and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and forwards Chris Wood and Dilan Bakwa.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 19;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 60%.
Utrecht – Nottingham Forest: Match Prediction
A dropped result in the upcoming game would almost certainly end Utrecht’s hopes of reaching the play-offs. I expect the hosts to give a good account of themselves against a superior opponent — Ron Jans’ side have shown plenty of fight. Although they have yet to record a win in the main stage, only one of their defeats has been by more than one goal, and that occurred away from home. Historically at home in the Europa League the club have lost just once, narrowly to Lyon.
Nottingham Forest are in a stronger position overall, but the majority of their points have come at home. On the road in the Europa League they have managed only two draws. Moreover, Forest have won just two of their last ten away matches at official level — one against bottom-side Wolves and another against a Liverpool side in deep crisis. I don’t expect Sean Dyche’s men to have it easy against a solid Utrecht side on their own turf.
My prediction: Utrecht with a +1 handicap
* The starting line-ups shown for each team reflect their most recent match in this competition.
