Utrecht – Genk: Opposite trajectories heading into the penultimate matchday 
Utrecht have almost nothing left to play for in this Europa League, but they’ll at least try to save face on Thursday at Stadion Galgenwaard.
Genk, by contrast, still have plenty at stake: the Belgians remain in the hunt for a direct spot in the last 16, just three points off the top 8.
Utrecht: a European campaign going under 
Back in Europe for the first time since 2011, Utrecht hoped for a decent run. Reality’s been grim: one point from six games — that draw came against Porto — and a run of defeats that has dragged them down the table. They sit 32, six points off the playoff spots, and are one of six teams still winless in this league phase. Worse, they’re on 17 straight European group matches without a win — a sorry record for a Dutch side. Their domestic form isn’t much better: 10th in the Eredivisie, one win in their last ten, and three straight home defeats, all by the same 2-1 scoreline.
Genk: still alive despite a poor run 
Genk travel to the Netherlands with a clear aim: stay in the mix. Recent form doesn’t inspire confidence — seven matches without a win, including a 2-1 reverse at Zulte Waregem on Saturday after taking the lead. Their last European outing was a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland, their first continental loss after four decent results. Still, Genk sit 16 and can aim for direct qualification if they collect full points from the last two matchdays. The club haven’t enjoyed a European spring since 2019, but the door’s still ajar. This will be only the second meeting between the sides — Genk won a 1-0 friendly in 2022.
Likely line-ups
FC Utrecht :
Barkas ; Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani ; Rodriguez, Engwanda, Bozdogan, Cathline, De Wit ; Haller
Genk :
Lawal ; Medina, Smets, Sadick, Ouahdi ; Sattlberger, Heynen ; Sor, Heymans, Karetsas ; Oh
Key points
- Utrecht have taken just one point from six matches.
- Genk haven’t won in seven games.
- The Dutch have lost their last three home games.
- Genk can still target the top 16.
- Utrecht haven’t won a European group game in 17 matches.
Match Prediction Utrecht – Genk
Genk to win
Even struggling, Genk look better equipped than a jittery, almost-eliminated Utrecht. The Belgians should take the three points.
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