Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Utrecht
Match Time & Date:
31 July 2025
19:00
Prediction: 2-1
Sheriff Tiraspol
Utrecht will look to seal their spot in the Europa League third qualifying round when they take on Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday. Utrecht did well to beat Sheriff 3-1 in Moldova and the Dutch now aim to defend their two-goal lead in front of home fans. Even though there are no fresh injury worries in the home team, midfielder Dani de Wit could sneak into the starting XI.
The Moldovans, on the other hand, will have a mountain to climb in the second leg. As Utrecht have turned their Stadion Galgenwaard into a real fortress, we predict that the visitors are going to return home with their hands empty. Papa Yade limped off with injury in a 3-2 loss to Zimbru at the weekend, with Konan Varvar likely to step up. Sheriff Tiraspol midfielder Ibrahima Soumah is only one yellow card away from suspension.
Highlighted Player (Mike van der Hoorn):
Mike van der Hoorn is a Dutch international who plays for Arminia Bielefeld as a centre-back. Van der Hoorn spent his youth career at the likes of Buitenboys, Omniworld and Utrecht, and he continued playing for the “Cathedral citizens” at senior level.
The Dutch footballer then joined Ajax where he scored three goals in 33 appearances in the Eredivisie. During his spell with the famous Eredivisie club he made 22 appearances for Jong Ajax as well. In 2016 he decided to move to UK as he signed a three-year deal with Swansea City.
After spending four seasons at the Liberty Stadium, Mikel van der Hoorn joined Arminia Bielefeld in the summer of 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. The Dutch defender made his Bundesliga debut on September 19, 2020 in a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt. His primary position is centre-back, and he has a contract with Arminia until June 30, 2023.
Highlighted Team (Utrecht):
Established on July 1, 1970, Utrecht is a Dutch club that competes in the Eredivisie. The club was founded as a merger of VV DOS, USV Elinkwijk, and Velox, and it has to be noted that VV DOS did well to win the Eredivisie trophy back in 1958.
Utrecht, on the other hand, have yet to win the national championship, but they have lifted three KNVB Cup trophies (1984/85, 2002/03, 2003/04). Leo van Veen is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 153 goals. Speaking of the club’s colours, they were white and red shirts when playing at home, while blue is the dominant colour of their away jersey.
Due to the hooligan clashes, Utrecht have a rivalry with Dutch giants Ajax. The games between the two clubs have always been very tense on the field. Utrecht welcome their rivals at Stadion Galgenwaard, the venue which can hold up to 23,750 people. The stadium was opened back in May 1936.
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