Brann vs Utrecht prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-10-01 16:45.
[p]Narrow defeats on matchday one of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League (UEL) leave Brann and Utrecht gunning for their first points of the league phase.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Brann’s main-draw debut in the UEL ended in a 2-1 loss to Lille, but they were level in that game until the 80th minute. The Norwegians can take some confidence from that performance and have been impressive otherwise, as that defeat is their only loss in their last nine matches (W7, D1). Adding to their belief is the fact that they have won their last three home encounters, although two defeats in European qualifying at Brann Stadion immediately preceding those results suggests that this will be far from a straightforward fixture for Freyr Alexandersson’s men.[/p]
[p]Utrecht’s absence from the UEL main draw since 2010/11 ended when they lost to Lyon on matchday one for what was then a third 1-0 defeat in a row in all competitions. That marked a third consecutive loss for the first time since October 2023, and although the mood improved slightly last weekend when a late goal earned a 2-2 draw in the Eredivisie against Heerenveen, the Cathedral Citizens must make a lot of improvements, with Utrecht having not won any of their 11 games in European group/league phases (D5, L6).[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]This is the first meeting between these sides, with Brann having drawn four of their previous ten matches against Dutch clubs (W2, L4), while Utrecht are gearing up for their first game against any Norwegian team.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Six of Brann’s last nine matches have seen both sides score.[/p]
[p]Brann’s last four games at home (W3, L1) have all been decided by a one-goal margin.[/p]
[p]Utrecht have conceded exactly once in five of their last seven UEL matches, including qualifying.[/p]
[p]In just one of Utrecht’s last six games in all competitions, both teams have scored.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Emil Kornvig scored in the third minute for Brann against Red Bull Salzburg in UEFA Champions League qualifying back in July and has netted twice across his last three games, with both strikes serving as the final goal of the match. David Min may get in the groove after someone else gets on the scoresheet, as three of his last four goals have served as Utrecht’s second goal of the game.[/p]
[p]Joachim Soltvedt is likely to remain out of contention for Brann, but they have seemingly avoided any major recent absences. Utrecht look to have a longer injury list than their hosts do, although forward Emirhan Demircan returned to the matchday squad last weekend.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Brann may fancy their chances of continuing their strong home form here, so backing Brann to win could be a profitable pick.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Sridhar Bhamidi[/i][/p]