Utrecht vs FC Porto prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-11-05 17:45.
[p]Winless and goalless in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase so far, Utrecht look to finally get off the mark on two fronts against a Porto side who are challenging for the top eight.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]After three defeats to nil from their opening three league phase games, Utrecht’s first campaign in major European football since their 2010/11 appearance in this competition couldn’t have gone much worse. Struggles on the European stage have been a long-standing theme for Utrecht, who are winless in their last 14 matches in major European competition (D5, L9) dating back to 2004. They warmed up in perfect fashion to end two decades of hurt by beating NEC Nijmegen 1-0 on home turf over the weekend, but the fact that’s one of just two wins they’ve managed in their last ten competitive games (D1, L7) somewhat negates the fact it also secured them back-to-back home victories. [/p]
[p]Having won their opening two UEL league phase games, Porto were brought back down to earth with a 2-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on matchday three. That proved to be nothing more than a bump in the road for the Dragons, who have since responded with back-to-back 2-1 wins, including against Braga on Sunday, with that Forest reversal serving as their only competitive defeat this season (W12, D1). History suggests there’s a strong chance of a return to winning ways in Europe here, as never before have Porto lost successive UEL group/league phase games, although a recent away run in this competition proper that reads three wins in 19 games (D5, L11) is sure to plant a seed of doubt.  [/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Porto won both legs of a UEFA Cup first round tie against Utrecht in 1982/83 in what is these sides’ only prior H2H meeting. The Portuguese side have a positive major European record against Dutch opposition (W7, D2, L3).[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Utrecht have only lost one of their last 16 European home games (W7, D8). [/p]
[p]Utrecht have conceded more than once in just one of their ten competitive home games this season.[/p]
[p]None of Porto’s three UEL league phase away games in 2025 saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Porto have scored 2+ goals in six of their eight competitive away games this season.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Utrecht frontman Sébastien Haller has scored six goals in four previous major European appearances against Portuguese teams. Porto’s Borja Sainz has a knack for making a telling contribution, scoring the decisive goal in victory on his last three scoring appearances at club level, including against Braga at the weekend. [/p]
[p]Victor Jensen remains Utrecht’s biggest absentee, while Porto have no fresh injury concerns. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With Utrecht so blatantly struggling in Europe this season, a Porto win seems attractively priced. [/p]
[p][i]Author: Chris Wilson[/i][/p]