FC Sheriff v FC Utrecht Preview: Eredivisie surprise package begin Europa League qualification campaign in Moldova | OneFootball

FC Utrecht will travel to Moldova on Thursday evening to face FC Sheriff in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier. Utrecht were the surprise package in the Eredivisie last season as they finished fourth, their highest finish since the 2016/2017 season. Ron Jans’ will be hoping to keep the good times flowing as they face an FC Sheriff side that has been involved in a lot more European football in recent seasons than Utrecht.

The Moldovan’s will have an advantage having already begun their league campaign. After five games the side have won four and drawn one, scoring 12 and conceding just two goals. Utrecht will have to keep an eye out for inform Amarildo Gjoni. The Albanian striker has started the season in stellar form with four goals in five games. Sheriff reached this round of Europa League qualification after overcoming FC Prishtina of Kosovo 5-2 on aggregate. Sheriff won the home leg 4-0.

Utrecht are yet to start their season but have been reasonably active in the transfer window. Yoann Cathline, who scored six goals and grabbed six assists last season for the club, has made his move from Lorient permanent. Miguel Rodriquez, Mike Eerdhuijzen and Davy van den Berg have all also joined. Jens Toornstra, Mattijs Branderhorst and Gisbon Yah have all left the club. The side are hoping to bring Sebastien Haller back in after his loan spell last season. The Ivorian striker scored six goals in 18 games on his return to the club. Without Haller, the likes of David Min and Noah Ohio will need to step up. The side are also without top scorer of last season Paxten Aaronson, who returned to parent club Eintracht Frankfurt.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson