Preview: Servette vs FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups

The battle for Europa League qualification continues this Thursday night as Servette welcome Utrecht to Stade de Geneve.

The Swiss side are looking to bag their spot in the Europa League for the second time in three years, while Utrecht are fighting to qualify for the main draw of a major European competition for the first time in nearly 15 years.

Match preview

After finishing second in the Swiss Super League last season, Servette were given a shot at Champions League qualification – an opportunity they blew against Czechia’s Viktoria Plzen.

The Swiss outfit kicked off the tie by sealing an impressive 1-0 win away from home, but when it came to the second leg, Servette seemingly froze and ended up crashing out of the competition owing to a 3-1 loss.

To make matters worse, the Maroons kicked off their domestic campaign with successive defeats – a run which ultimately cost head coach Thomas Haberli his job.

Demoted to the Europa League qualifiers, Servette now have the difficult task of turning around their fortunes as they prepare for a potentially tricky opening leg against Utrecht.

Unlike their opponents, the Dutch side have made a strong start to their campaign, picking up a 7-2 aggregate win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the second qualifying round.

The Cupfighters have not qualified for the main draw of a European tournament since their 2010-11 group stage run in the Europa League – one which saw the Dutch club rub shoulders with the likes of Liverpool and Napoli.

Utrecht have not taken part in European qualifiers for six years, but Ron Jans and his men earned their shot at continental football following an impressive fourth placed finish last season.

The club only lost six games throughout their whole Eredivisie campaign – that is the fewest league defeats Utrecht have endured in a single season in over 25 years. What’s more, just one of those losses came on the road.

Servette form (all competitions):

W L L L

FC Utrecht Europa League form:

W W

Team News

Servette not only enter Thursday’s fixture without a head coach, but they are also without their captain, Steve Rouiller, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

To make matters worse, Servette will also be without midfielder David Douline, who is struggling with a wrist problem.

Utrecht have their own injury worries, with Zidane Iqbal, Mike Eerdhuijzen and Ivar Jenner all doubtful for the trip to Geneva.

Left back Siebe Horemans is the man to watch following his exceptional performance against Tiraspol last week – one which saw him make three goal contributions.

Servette possible starting lineup: Frick; Baron, Severin, Bronn, Srdanovic; Cognat, Fomba; Njoh, Morandi, Stevanovic; Guillemenot

FC Utrecht possible starting lineup: Barkas; Horemans, Viergever, Van der Hoorn, El Karouani; Zechiel, Engwanda, Jensen; Jonathans, Min, Cathline

We say: Servette 1-3 FC Utrecht

Servette face a tough test on Thursday as they head into the first leg without a head coach, without a captain and with a woeful run of form under their belts.

With that in mind, we are backing Utrecht to take full advantage and pick up a solid victory in Geneva.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.