Dinamo Zagreb vs Sevilla predictions and match preview for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League fixture. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as Sevilla travel to Croatia.
| Date | Thursday 24th February 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 18:45 (local time) |
| Stadium | Stadion Maksimir |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League |
Dinamo Zagreb vs Sevilla Preview
Sevilla’s bid to reach another Europa League Final takes them to Croatia this week where they have a sizable 3-1 advantage to defend in Zagreb. First Half goals from Ivan Rakitic, Lucas Ocampos and Anthony Martial put them in control of the tie against Dinamo last week and they’ll be confident of finishing the job here.
Julen Lopetegui has some big decisions to make ahead of this game. Sevilla are battling on two fronts but saw their deficit on Real Madrid grow to 6 points when they could only draw at Espanyol in LaLiga at the weekend. They’ve the big Seville derby to come this weekend against a strong Betis side and already it feels like we’re at a point where the gap simply can’t grow any bigger if Sevilla are serious about winning the title.
With a two-goal advantage in this tie, you imagine Lopetegui may take a small risk by rotating heavily and keeping key players fresh for the derby. He may though go with something close to his strongest defence to help ensure the Croatians don’t find a way back into the tie. Marcos Acuna should be fresh having missed the trip to Espanyol while Jules Kounde, who was controversially sent off at the RCDE Stadium, will be suspended for the derby so should also start here.
Dinamo Zagreb do have some form when it comes to pulling off comeback wins in Europe. They overturned a 2-0 deficit from the 1st Leg to beat Spurs 3-2 in this competition last season with a fine 2nd Leg showing in Croatia. However their home form has been less impressive in Europe this term and they’ve only won one of their last five outings in Zagreb in Europe, that being a 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna in the group stage of this competition.
They do currently top the Croatian League but were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at home by NK Lokomotiva at the weekend. Not the ideal preparation for this tie and they will need to produce something really special if they are going to see off a Sevilla side that has to be considered amongst the favourites to go all the way once more.
Head to Head
- Sevilla won the 1st Leg 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
- The sides had met twice before with both meetings in the group stages of the 2016/17 Champions League.
- Sevilla recorded 1-0 and 4-0 wins with Dinamo Zagreb ending that group without a point.
Team News
The hosts could be at full strength for this one.
Sevilla are missing Suso, Gonzalo Montiel and Erik Lamela. Anthony Martial is a doubt.
Possible Lineups
Dinamo Zagreb vs Sevilla Predictions
Score Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 Sevilla (Aggregate: 2-4)
Sevilla are likely to rotate but they should be able to field a side more than strong enough to finish the job here. They’ve been the best team in LaLiga defensively this term and it’s hard to see a serious path back into the tie for Dinamo Zagreb.
UEFA Europa League Match Previews
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