Nottingham Forest travel to the Stadion Galgenwaard on Thursday night to face FC Utrecht.
They are aiming to reignite their Europa League campaign. Furthermore, Sean Dyche’s side want to strengthen their bid for a last-16 spot. Both sides enter this contest looking to recover from frustrating weekends. Forest were humbled 3-0 by Everton in the Premier League.
This result left the manager lamenting his team’s physical drop-off against his former club. Meanwhile, Ron Jans’s FC Utrecht were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Twente in the Eredivisie. This result continued a season of mixed fortunes for the Dutch outfit.
Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht
- Referee: Irfan Peljto
- VAR: Ivan Bebek
Team News
Utrecht
Currently, Ron Jans navigates significant squad limitations for this fixture. Unfortunately, the manager omitted Victor Jensen, Noah Ohio, Emirhan Demircan, and Kolbeinn Finnsson from the Europa League squad, rendering them ineligible.
Additionally, an injury rules out midfielder Davy van den Berg. However, the hosts welcome back goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas from suspension. Finally, left-back Souffian El Karouani has returned to full fitness and expects to retain his place.
Nottingham Forest
In contrast, Sean Dyche faces a lengthy absentee list. Specifically, thigh injuries sideline Ola Aina, Douglas Luiz, and Taiwo Awoniyi. Furthermore, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Chris Wood remain out of contention. Worryingly, Ryan Yates remains a major doubt after he limped off against Everton.
Consequently, Nicolás Domínguez will likely partner Ibrahim Sangaré in midfield. In defence, Murillo remains doubtful due to hamstring issues. Therefore, Morato looks set to continue alongside Nikola Milenković in central defence.
Form
Utrecht
Utrecht are enduring a torrid European campaign. They sit 32nd in the table as one of only five teams without a win. Their struggles are historic. The Dutch side are winless in their last 16 major European matches. This is the longest drought ever by a Dutch team in major European competition. However, their home form offers a glimmer of hope. The “Cupfighters” are unbeaten in their last six home games across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest
Forest sit 16th in the Europa League table with eight points. They are well-positioned to push for a top-eight finish. Under Sean Dyche, they have become a defensive rock in Europe. They have kept clean sheets in their last three matches. Notably, they remain the only side not to concede since Dyche took charge on Matchday 3. Set-pieces have been their primary weapon. All five of their European goals under Dyche have come from dead-ball situations.
Predicted Lineups
Utrecht predicted XI: Barkas; Horemans, Van der Hoorn, Viergever, El Karouani; Bozdoğan, Ongena, De Wit; Rodríguez, Min, Cathline
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Victor; Abbott, Milenković, Morato, Williams; Domínguez, Sangaré; Ndoye, McAtee, Hudson-Odoi; Kalimuendo
How to watch Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will air live in the UK on TNT Sports. Coverage starts at 19:30 GMT.
Read- Mainoo preference abroad move over Premier League loan
See more- Saudi Pro League CEO endorses Mohamed Salah transfer
