Europa League preview: Utrecht’s fighting spirit is in doubt, Porto’s winning streak not only boosts morale
6686 Sports News on November 6th, at 1:45 on November 7th, Beijing time, in the fourth round of the 2025/26 Europa League, Utrecht hosted the home team against Porto.
Utrecht's performance in the first three rounds of the Europa League this season is hard to describe. They lost to Lyon, Brann and Freiburg one after another, becoming the only team that couldn't even score a goal. However, on the Eredivisie front, Utrecht performed quite well, currently ranking 6th in the Eredivisie standings with 16 points from 11 games. The home team recorded 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the league, which is enough to rival the veteran giant Ajax.
This season This is the third season of the 67-year-old Utrecht coach Jens coaching the team. The team definitely hopes to improve on the fourth place in the league last season and even reach the Champions League. Therefore, it is understandable to selectively focus on domestic league events. Utrecht left back Cavallani has become the main starting point of the attack this season. This Moroccan player has contributed 3 goals and 10 assists in various competitions so far this season, and his worth has also risen to a team-high 12 million euros.
Porto, the Portuguese Super League giant, has maintained a very high competitive state since the beginning of the season. It has only lost one game in 14 games in all competitions. It currently ranks first in the league with 9 wins and 1 draw. It also lost only to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. Last weekend, Porto's home team defeated Braga 2-0 in a focus battle and won their 14th win of the season.
Porto coach Farioli is no stranger to Utrecht. The Italian coach’s last job was coaching Ajax. Given that Porto currently ranks 15th in the Europa League standings with 2 wins and 1 loss, a win will help them continue to consolidate their leading position.
In terms of personnel, Utrecht faces serious injury problems. Van der Horn, Westerlund, Algui, Janssen, Dewit and Kasserin are all on the injury list. In addition, Dutch forward O'Hare is not on the Europa League squad. On Porto's side, two Argentinian players, Nehun Perez and Thomas Perez, have not signed up. Apart from these two, Farioli can use all core players.
Porto's morale is high, and the team coach knows Utrecht well. In addition, the home team's fighting spirit is indeed questionable, so it seems difficult for the home team to score points. Porto may be able to do something in the away team.
