There are some gems in-between the low-profile qualification fixtures and Servette vs Utrecht is just the type of game you don't want to miss, as both sides are known for their goal-packed matches.
Servette didn't last long in the Champions League, despite their phenomenal performance last season in the Swiss Super League. Les Grenats fell short against Viktoria Plzen after winning the first leg and even getting an early advantage in the second. The Czech runners-up overcame the two-goal deficit to win 3-1 away.
Ultimately, Servette got relegated to the Europa League qualifiers and got one of the worst draws possible – the far more experienced Utrecht. The Cathedral Citizens began their quest by dismantling Sheriff Tiraspol 7-2 on aggregate and seem to be a level above their new opponents. But the season in the Netherlands has not yet begun, so Utrecht have not seen any other action.
How the bookies view it: The odds are close but Utrecht have the edge
Bookmakers found it difficult to name a clear favourite, as Servette cannot be underestimated. Nevertheless, they still favour Utrecht to win on Thursday, giving them 13/10 next to 19/10 for the hosts. The draw is also a valid option at 23/10.
Recent head to head: That one friendly game means nothing
This will be the first clash between Servette and Utrecht in an official setting. The teams have only met once in a club friendly in 2022, when Les Grenats managed a minimal 1-0 win.
Players to watch: El Karouani – a defender playmaker
Utrecht have one of the youngest squads in the qualifiers and plenty of talented individuals who are hungry for goals. A student of Ajax's academy, Victor Jensen has started the season with two explosive performances in the Europa League, scoring in both games against Sheriff.
He is a valid option, but we also have to highlight Souffian El Karouani's performances. The 24-year-old Moroccan defender provided a goal and three assists in two games. He is making a statement after providing the most assists in the team last season.
Probable line-ups
Servette: Mall, Magnin, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou, Cognat, Baron, Stevanovic, Antunes, Morandi, Mraz
Utrecht: Barkas, El Karouani, Viergever, Hoorn, Horemans, Jensen, Engwanda, Zechiel, Cathline, Min, Jonathans
Anything else catch the eye?
On paper, this should be an easy fixture to bet on. We have two of the best teams in Switzerland and the Netherlands, known for their action-packed games and fast attacking football. It will be a huge surprise to us if this match doesn't feature at least three goals.
You can opt for Over 2.5 or BTTS with equal confidence or even combine the two markets if your bookie allows it. Additionally, we don't see how Utrecht will lose this fixture. Yes, we don't have any guarantees about their form but we watched both legs against Sheriff and they were clinical.
Meanwhile, Servette are in a bad place after losing their last three games in all competitions. The worst part is they conceded 10 goals across these games, including back-to-back beatings at home (1-3 and 1-4). These results make it hard not to take advantage of the solid odds for Utrecht. But if you want to be safe, you can always go for the Draw No Bet option, which provides some reassurance in case of a mediocre performance.
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