Zrinjski vs Utrecht Prediction: Dutch visitors can edge high-scoring first leg

Lech Poznan’s Uefa Champions League dream was brought to an end by a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Red Star Belgrade, and the Polish side must now battle it out with Genk for a spot in the league phase of the Uefa Europa League.

The Poles welcome Genk Stadion Poznan for the first leg on Thursday (19:30 BST), and there is every chance they can outrun their odds, with the Belgian visitors struggling for form in recent months. Below are my Lech Poznan vs Genk predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

Today's Football Fixtures

Team News

Tyler Burey has sat out Zrinjski’s last two matches through injury and the forward is still on the sidelines. Marijan Cavar is also likely to miss out on Thursday night.

Zidane Iqbal, Ivar Jenner and Rafik El Arguioui are all struggling with injuries and are unlikely to return for Utrecht’s trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Zrinjski vs Utrecht Odds

Utrecht are 4/6 to win on their travels, while Zrinjski are 7/2 for a home success and the draw is available at 3/1.

Utrecht to win and both teams to score @ 21/10

Utrecht have made good progress in the Europa League this term and they can take a major step towards the league phase of the competition by winning in Mostar.

Ron Jans’ men have won their four continental ties this season, beating Sheriff 8-2 on aggregate and Servette 5-2 in the two previous rounds of the competition.

Midfield man Victor Jensen has already scored four goals in the Europa League this term and there are good attacking options with Miguel Rodriguez and Adrian Blake out wide.

Zrinjski were only narrow 3-2 winners against Breidablik over two legs in the previous qualification round and they will be facing a considerable step up in class when they take on their Dutch opponents on Thursday night.

However, Igor Stimac’s men have found the net five times in their last three home games and backing both teams to score in a Utrecht victory should pay dividends.

Bet Builder - Over 2.5 goals and Utrecht -1 handicap @ 3/1

Utrecht have already seen 23 goals scored in their opening six matches of the season and the Dutch side will certainly go on the front foot.

Those free-scoring games have seen scorelines of 4-1, 4-0 and 3-1 (twice) and there have been 116 efforts on goal in Utreg’s last four matches alone.

Backing over 2.5 goals, and Utrecht to give the hosts a one-goal start on the handicap, looks a nice way to play what could be another high-scoring success for the visitors.

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