Match: UEFA Europa League
Fixture: Željezničar Mostar vs Utrecht
Local Kick-off Time: 20:00 on August 21st
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Handicap Prediction:
Utrecht -0.75 (Asian Handicap)
Away Win (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 1-2, 1-3, 2-3
Expected Goals: 3, 4, 5
Prediction & Comprehensive Analysis:
As Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dominant force, Željezničar Mostar regrettably lost the league title in the 2023-24 season but regained it last season under the guidance of manager Ivanković. However, this legendary coach bid farewell to the team last month, with new boss Štimac—who previously managed the national teams of India and Croatia—taking over. The team has had an unlucky start to this season: their first three league rounds were postponed due to Champions League qualifying commitments, and in their opening match against Široki Brijeg last round, neither side scored in regular time. Mostar’s attacking firepower has been weak recently, scoring only 5 goals in their last 5 matches across all competitions. As the team’s key striker, Bijedić has struggled with form lately—aside from a goal from open play in the last away game, his other two goals were penalties. Pranić and Kishi need to provide more shooting opportunities for Bijedić, while Savić and Ivančić will continue to control the midfield and defense. Karačić’s left and right flanks will still be guarded by Barišić and Dujmović.
Under Jans’ management last season, Utrecht missed out on Champions League qualifying by just 4 points. They started the new season with a 4-0 home victory over Almere City, but despite de Wit equalizing in the last round, they ultimately lost due to controversial refereeing decisions. Although the team has performed well away this season, it’s worth noting that they only won 2 of their last 9 away games last season. Additionally, in their two-legged clash with Mostar in 2019, despite being stronger on paper, Utrecht failed to show their expected dominance and lost in extra time. With Argyoij sidelined by injury, Jensen is the top replacement—he scored twice in the second half against Servette with his individual ability to seal the win, and is expected to take on key responsibilities again in this match. The attack will still be led by Mijn, with Blake and Catalan likely on the left and right flanks. Jans’ side lacks no attacking output, having scored 14 goals in their last 5 matches across all competitions.
Summary:
The two teams have met twice before, with both matches ending in draws. Overall, Utrecht are in strong form recently and hold advantages in squad strength and tactical flexibility. While Mostar have home advantage and pose a threat from set-piece attacks, the European odds average for away win at 1.75, paired with the mid-range odds for Utrecht -0.75 in the Asian Handicap, shows that Mostar’s home advantage is not reflected at all. Based on comprehensive analysis of this match, Utrecht are favored to take all three points away from home.
