Preview and Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis – Team News and Lineup Analysis

Preview: Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb will host Real Betis at Maksimir Stadium in a crucial Europa League match this Thursday. Dinamo currently holds the 23rd position in the standings, while Betis sits comfortably in fifth place, making the clash significant for both sides.

Dinamo Zagreb’s recent Europa League form shows mixed results, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their five league phase matches. They started strong by defeating Fenerbahce and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and drawing with Malmo. However, recent heavy defeats against Celta Vigo and Lille, with an aggregate score of 7-0, have dented their confidence.

In domestic action, Dinamo bounced back with a 2-0 victory against Gorica and secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Hajduk Split, thanks to a late equalizer by Arber Hoxha. The Croatian side now aims to progress to the knockout stages for the second time in three seasons. They hold a narrow one-point lead over the 25th-placed team and face Betis and FCSB in their remaining Europa League fixtures.

Real Betis, on the other hand, have shown consistency in Europe, winning three and drawing two of their league phase games. Highlights include a 2-0 away win at Lyon and a 2-1 victory over Utrecht, with key contributions from Cucho Hernandez and Abde Ezzalzouli. Despite a 5-3 home defeat against Barcelona in La Liga, Betis remain strong on the road, unbeaten in 11 away matches this season.

Team News

Dinamo Zagreb will miss Moris Valincic, Raul Torrente, Robert Mudrazija, Moreno Zivkovic, Mateo Lisica, and Cardoso Varela due to injury or squad omission. Noa Mikic is a doubt but hopeful to play after limping off in the weekend derby.

Real Betis face absences as Junior Firpo is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Hector Bellerin and Isco are also doubtful. Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is with Morocco’s national team for recovery and preparation. Defender Ricardo Rodriguez will be out due to suspension following his fifth yellow card.

Possible Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb (likely): Filipovic; Mikic, Dominguez, McKenna, Perez Vinlof; Ljubicic, Misic, Zajc; Bakrar, Hoxha, Beljo

Real Betis (likely): Valles; Ortiz, Llorente, Natan, Gomez; Altimira, Deossa, Fornals; Antony, Ezzalzouli, Bakambu

Dinamo Zagreb have struggled against Spanish opposition this season, losing 3-0 at home to Celta Vigo. Betis’ strong away record and ability to score multiple goals in recent games make them favorites to edge this encounter. The expected scoreline is a narrow 2-1 victory for Real Betis as they aim to strengthen their position in the Europa League standings.