Utrecht vs. Porto: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups

Bassyonni

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Utrecht vs. Porto: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups

FC Utrecht will face FC Porto in an essential Europa League clash at Stadion Galgenwaard on Thursday. The Dutch side is yet to record a win in the group stage, while Porto seeks to bounce back after a recent defeat.

Match Preview: Utrecht vs. Porto

FC Utrecht has struggled in their Europa League campaign. They currently sit near the bottom of their group, having lost three matches without scoring a single goal. The team suffered setbacks against Lyon (0-1), Brann (0-1), and Freiburg (0-2).

Despite their poor showing in Europe, FC Utrecht’s recent domestic performance offers a glimmer of hope. They managed a 1-0 victory over NEC, marking their first clean sheet since August. Coach Ron Jans faces challenges in balancing the team’s attack and defense, having secured only two wins from their last ten matches across all competitions.

FC Utrecht’s Recent Form

Europa League: Lost all three matches.
Eredivisie: Two wins in the last ten games.
Last clean sheet: August 31 against PEC Zwolle.

On the other hand, FC Porto had their winning streak disrupted by Nottingham Forest in their last match, which ended in a 0-2 loss. Under Francesco Farioli’s management, the Portuguese giants have shown resilience, winning their previous two matches in the Primeira Liga. They are currently 15th in their Europa League group but remain within reach of the top eight, making this upcoming match crucial for them.

Porto’s Recent Performance

Europa League: Two wins and one loss.
Primeira Liga: 2-1 victories over Moreirense and Braga.
Clean sheets: Six in their first seven matches but none in the last three.

In terms of team news, FC Utrecht will be without Victor Jensen due to injury. Additionally, Niklas Vesterlund and Mike van der Hoorn are also doubtful for the match. Despite the challenges, midfielder Souffian El Karouani has proven to be a threat with his contributions in the Eredivisie.

FC Porto also faces injury concerns, with Luuk de Jong and Tomas Perez likely unavailable. Key players William Gomes and Samu Aghehowa will be significant in their quest to secure a win, as Aghehowa has scored six Liga goals this season.

Possible Lineups

FC Utrecht Starting XI

Barkas
Horemans
Didden
Viergever
El Karouani
Engwanda
Zechiel
Bozdogan
Rodriguez
Haller
Blake

FC Porto Starting XI

D. Costa
A. Costa
Bednarek
Kiwior
Moura
Froholdt
Varela
Rosario
Sainz
Aghehowa
Pepe

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. FC Utrecht seeks to end their scoring drought, while FC Porto aims to regain momentum and push for a top position in their group.