Utrecht vs Heracles Predictions

Utrecht are in control ahead of the second leg of their clash in the Eredivisie Europa League playoff. The hosts have a foot in the final after winning 2-0 in the away leg. However, the hosts haven’t been a side to rest on their laurels this season. Meanwhile, Heracles come into this game in awful form, having lost their last four matches. Given that Utrecht have won the last three meetings between these two sides, they’re now expected to finish off the job this weekend and ease into the final.

The hosts wrapped up the season in sixth place, with some decent results at home to their name. They won nine of their 17 home matches here this season, while they haven’t lost at their own ground since January. That has set up the hosts for this European tilt, as has their first-leg win. After easing to a result last time out, we expect them to pick off Heracles on the counter here. They should expect plenty of chances, given that Heracles have allowed 16.5 shots against them per game on the road so far.

The visitors have lost 10 of their 17 away trips this season, but they’ve had a strong season overall. The visitors finished up the regular season in seventh, while they’ve picked up more points this term than they have in six of the last seven seasons. Achieving that despite their away record shows how strong they were at home, while it also suggests how unlikely any kind of fightback is in this second leg.

Heracles were able to get results at sides lower down the table, but they had problems towards the top. They lost all but one of their clashes at the top 10, including a defeat at Utrecht. Meanwhile, the hosts will be out to add to their high scoring campaign, which saw them score 30 goals in their 17 home clashes. They come into this one aiming to build on scoring 60 goals this season, especially against a side who have defensive issues.

Heracles conceded 36 times on the road this term, which led to 71% of their away trips finishing with at least three goals scored. All of their 10 away defeats saw at least three goals, while all but one of Utrecht’s home victories saw over 2.5 goals. We expect more goals in the second leg as Utrecht look to put a gloss on the scoreline. A home win and over 2.5 goals is our tip, along with a 3-1 victory.