Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to claim a first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Servette will welcome Utrecht to the Stade de Geneve.
Servette
Starting with the hosts, suffering a Champions League collapse last week as they eventually fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Czech-based outfit Plzen, Servette find themselves in the midst of what has become a real rut. Getting the new domestic campaign underway with consecutive Super League defeats, the Maroons have come under some serious scrutiny. Last seen over the weekend putting in another worrying display as they slumped to a woeful 4-1 drumming at home against St. Gallen, the Geneva-based outfit have also gained a recent reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Losing their last three straight matchups across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-3, Servette are desperately seeking a much-needed boost on Thursday night.
Servette Team News
Shown a European red card against Plzen last week, French defender loan Severin will miss out through suspension on Thursday night. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance since opening up the new campaign, former Clermont midfielder David Douline remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench last weekend, Cyprus international Joel Mall should return between the sticks. Completing a move from French outfit St. Etienne this summer, Lamine Fomba will feature in the middle of the park.
Utrecht
As for the visitors, laying down a real qualifying marker last week as they stormed their way to a stellar 7-2 aggregate win against Sheriff Tiraspol, Utrecht will be looking to extend on their recent purple patch here. Smelling a real opportunity when they travel over to Geneva on Thursday night, Ron Jans’ men have come flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign. However, signing off their summer preparations with consecutive 2-1 friendly defeats against Waalwijk and Charleroi, Utrecht will know the importance of claiming some crucial defensive stability. In fact, the former Twente boss has seen his squad muster just a pair of clean sheets away from the Stadion Galgenwaard so far this calendar year.
Utrecht Team News
Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this calendar year, USA youth International Ricky Van Hees will once again miss out here.
Despite making a permanent switch from domestic rivals Sparta Rotterdam this summer, Mike Eerdhuijzen is still waiting to make his Utrecht debut. Finding the net in back-to-back appearances against Sheriff Tiraspol over the past fortnight, Victor Jensen will lead the line in Geneva.
Servette vs Utrecht Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Geneva will be the first competitive meeting between Servette and Utrecht.
- Servette have lost their last three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-3.
- Continuing on from last season, the Maroons have conceded at least a trio of goals in all of their previous five competitive appearances.
- Utrecht extended on their Europa League qualifying adventure last week thanks to a 7-2 aggregate win against Sheriff Tiraspol.
- Six of Utrecht’s last nine competitive appearances have finished with over 3.5 goals.
Conclusion
Extending on their Europa League qualifying adventure last week thanks to a sensational 7-2 aggregate win against Sheriff Tiraspol, Utrecht will travel over to Switzerland smelling the chance to claim a first-leg advantage here. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third, Thursday’s guests will meet a Servette squad who find themselves in the midst of a public struggle. Along with losing their last three straight outings by an aggregate score of 10-3, they have also shipped at least a trio of goals in all of their previous five competitive appearances.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
