Utrecht vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

• Forest have not conceded in their last three Europa League games with a combined xGA of 0.75
• Forest have kept clean sheets in three of their last four away games
• Utrecht have failed to score in four of their last six European games

Dyche has done a job on Forest’s backline

Nottingham Forest can move a step closer to a place in the Europa League’s round of 16 with a win at Stadion Galgenwaard against a mediocre Utrecht side on Thursday.  Sean Dyche’s side will be licking their wounds after a chastening 3-0 defeat at the manager’s former club Everton on Saturday, but this looks like an ideal opportunity to get back on track.

Before their loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Tricky Trees had been a growing force under Dyche – winning four of five games. As many expected, Dyche quickly sorted out Forest’s leaky defence and turned them into a clean sheet machine as they blanked Liverpool at Anfield and both Porto and Malmo at the City Ground.

Three European shutouts in a row are no coincidence given their combined expected goals against (xGA) of 0.75 in those games. During that run, Forest faced only five shots on target and two big chances.

Utrecht are stronger at home

Utrecht, therefore, will have their work cut out to create much in this clash. Ron Janes’ side are down in 32nd spot after picking up just one point from their five Europa League games, and have scored only twice in the league stage.

The Eredivisie outfit are much stronger at home than on the road, but they were second best in a 1-1 draw with Twente at Galgenwaard on Sunday. Forest should find a away to win on Thursday in a game which has become much bigger after their Merseyside misery on Saturday.

Dyche will want to re-establish momentum and almost finish the job of qualifying for the last 16 in order to potentially rest players later in the League phase. Back a 1-0 Forest win because Utrecht don’t concede many at home as Porto, Ajax and Lyon could not find a second goal on their trips to the city.