FC Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest Europa League Preview & Tips | 11 Dec 2025

This Europa League league phase tie could be crucial for both sides’ hopes of progressing. Utrecht have been solid in the Eredivisie, while Forest are pushing hard in the Premier League. The Galgenwaard will be bouncing and Forest will bring decent away support – proper European night atmosphere.

Both sides usually set up in a 4-2-3-1, so expect a tactical chess match with two banks of four and quick transitions the main threat.

Utrecht average 48% possession and take plenty of shots (14.9 per game) but only 5.1 on target – they need to be sharper in the final third. Forest sit at 50% possession, complete 80% of passes, yet manage just 3.9 shots on target – both teams can be wasteful. Set pieces could decide it: Utrecht score ~0.4 and Forest ~0.3 per game from dead balls.

Utrecht last 10: 4W-4D-2L | 17 scored, 11 conceded, 3 clean sheets. Plenty of draws lately but hard to beat.

Forest last 10: 5W-1D-4L | 15 scored, 12 conceded, 4 clean sheets. Hit a strong patch with some big wins.

Utrecht at home (last 5 home): 60% win rate, 2.0 scored, 0.6 conceded – the Galgenwaard is tough to visit.

Forest away (last 4 away): 50% win rate, 1.0 scored, 1.0 conceded – solid but not spectacular on the road.

Utrecht create slightly more than Forest but both concede similar quality chances – points to a tight, possibly low-scoring game.

First ever meeting between the two clubs – nothing to go on historically, so it’s all about current form and home advantage.

Forest have the slightly better recent numbers, but Utrecht are very hard to beat at home and love a draw. Feels like a low-scoring stalemate.

Prediction: FC Utrecht 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Main pick: Draw – best price available.

Value angle: Under 2.5 goals – both attacks lack cutting edge.

Alternative: Utrecht or Draw (double chance) – home record too strong to ignore.

Key numbers for bet builders – good luck!