Match Preview

The clash between Utrecht and Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase, Round 6 brings together two clubs experiencing very different European stories. For the hosts, this is about pride and finishing a tough campaign on a high. For Forest, it’s a chance to confirm a place in the top half of the league-phase standings and strengthen their position in the race for the knockout stages.

Utrecht have found life in the Europa League demanding. Despite some competitive spells, results have been hard to come by, and they come into this final round near the bottom of the overall table. The Dutch side are strongest when they can play at a high tempo, combine quickly in the final third and use the energy of their home crowd at Stadion Galgenwaard. However, defensive lapses and difficulties defending transitions have repeatedly cost them against more clinical opposition.

Nottingham Forest, by contrast, have adapted impressively to European competition. A strong run of results, including a convincing home win over Malmö, has pushed them into the middle of the Europa League league-phase pack with a positive goal difference. Forest’s game model under their current coaching setup mixes compact defensive structure with aggressive pressing and fast, vertical attacks. They are dangerous when they win the ball high and immediately look to release forwards into space or overload one side of the pitch.

The tactical pattern at Galgenwaard is likely to see Forest comfortable without having the ball all the time, ready to spring forward whenever Utrecht’s possession becomes risky. The hosts, meanwhile, will aim to dictate tempo, circulate the ball through midfield and try to isolate their wingers against Forest’s full-backs. If Utrecht can avoid cheap turnovers and use their set pieces well, they are capable of creating scoring chances despite their poor points tally.

With the league phase reaching its conclusion, this match still matters. Forest need a result to stay well placed in the overall table and avoid slipping toward the cut-off line, while Utrecht will want to give their fans something to cheer about after a difficult campaign. Expect periods of end-to-end football, especially if an early goal forces either side to chase the game.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest encounter will be available in many regions via major sports broadcasters and streaming platforms. In Europe, viewers can look for coverage on services such as DAZN or ESPN, while international audiences may find the game on beIN Sports, Paramount+ or other regional rights holders. Certain licensed betting sites, including 1xBet Live and similar platforms, may also offer live streams to registered users with funded accounts. Fans should always confirm the latest broadcast information with local TV listings or official competition partners in their country.

Match Information

Odds (1X2)

Market expectations slightly favour Nottingham Forest, reflecting their stronger Europa League campaign so far and their superior position in the league-phase standings. Utrecht are priced as underdogs, but the home advantage at Galgenwaard and the motivation to sign off with a statement performance mean they cannot be completely discounted. The draw remains a realistic outcome if Utrecht manage to keep things tight and limit Forest’s transition threats.

From a betting perspective, punters may also consider options such as Both Teams to Score, Over/Under 2.5 goals, or Draw No Bet on the visitors, depending on their risk appetite. Given Forest’s recent solidity and Utrecht’s need to push forward at times, goal-based markets could offer interesting value.

*Odds are indicative and may change before kick-off. Always check the latest prices with your chosen bookmaker.

Form and Head-to-Head

Utrecht form: Utrecht’s Europa League league-phase record tells the story of their campaign: one draw and four defeats from the first five matches, with goals hard to come by and a negative goal difference. Even when they have produced competitive spells, lapses at key moments have turned tight games against them, leaving them with a single point on the board.

Nottingham Forest form: Forest have been far more effective, picking up two wins, two draws and only one defeat in their first five league-phase matches. They have scored more than they have conceded and come into this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 3–0 victory over Malmö, which underlined their growing confidence on the European stage.

Head-to-Head: This meeting is a relatively rare European pairing between Utrecht and Nottingham Forest. With no deep historical rivalry between the clubs, the narrative is driven instead by their current trajectories: Utrecht eager to show they can compete with strong European opponents, and Forest looking to build on an encouraging return to continental competition. The lack of a long-standing head-to-head record adds a layer of unpredictability to an already intriguing match-up.

Standings Context (Europa League League Phase)

These figures highlight the different trajectories of the two clubs in this season’s Europa League league phase. Nottingham Forest sit in the upper half of the overall table with eight points and a solid goal difference, well-placed to secure at least a knockout play-off berth if they avoid defeat here. A win could even push them further up the ranking, improving their seeding for the next stage.

Utrecht, by contrast, find themselves near the bottom after collecting just one point from their first five games. While progression is out of reach, this final home match offers a chance to restore some pride, improve their coefficient and provide a boost to supporters ahead of domestic challenges to come.

*Positions and statistics refer to the league-phase table after five rounds.

Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Utrecht 1–2 Nottingham Forest

Prediction: Given Forest’s stronger league-phase record, better balance between attack and defence, and recent confidence, they are rightly viewed as favourites. Utrecht’s home advantage and desire to finish on a positive note should ensure they compete fiercely, and the Dutch side are capable of finding the net, especially if Forest leave spaces when pushing forward.

However, over 90 minutes, Nottingham Forest look better equipped to exploit defensive gaps and manage key moments. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack, combined with greater overall depth, suggests they can edge a competitive match. Utrecht may have spells of pressure and should create opportunities, but Forest’s efficiency in both penalty areas gives them the slight edge.

The forecast is for an entertaining, attacking game with chances at both ends. In the end, the visitors are tipped to do just enough to claim all three points. Predicted result: Utrecht 1–2 Nottingham Forest. For bettors, markets such as Nottingham Forest Draw No Bet, Both Teams to Score and Over 2.0 or Over 2.5 total goals align well with this outlook.