Dinamo Zagreb have responded well to their UEFA Champions League mauling by Bayern Munich and will be out to prove how far they have come when they take on another German giant in the shape of Borussia Dortmund.
The Croatian champions couldn't have got off to a worse start in the revamped league phase as they lost 9-2 at the Allianz Arena, bringing up three bets for our man Vlad in the process.
After that embarrassing loss, it looked like Dinamo Zagreb might be whipping boys at Europe's top table but they have roared back in style, following up a draw with Monaco by beating RB Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava.
That has left them in decent shape to qualify for the knockout stages but Dortmund represent a step up in class from the last three teams Dinamo have faced in Europe.
Last year's runners-up showed how deadly they can be by routing Celtic 7-1, a result that helped our man Gabriel come up trumps with all his recommended bets.
Their only defeat so far in the UEFA Champions League came at the Bernabeu and Nuri Sahin's side gave the European champions a scare that night by going 2-0 up before collapsing in the second half as Real Madrid eventually won 5-2.
How the bookies view it: Dortmund hot favourites
Despite their recent Champions League revival, Dinamo Zagreb are outsiders here at 17/5 with Betano. Borussia Dortmund are just 4/6 for the win and the draw pays 31/10.
Head to head: German lessons for Dinamo
These sides have never faced off in Europe before but Dinamo Zagreb don't have a great record against German oppositions. In 19 games against Bundesliga sides they have won just three times and lost 12, with the other four matches ending in draws.
Players to watch: Baturina the key man for Zagreb
Martin Baturina looks like being the next classy playmaker off the Croatian production line and a major European club should snap him up soon. He's 17/5 with Betano for a third goal this season but an assist might be more likely and that pays 18/5 with Unibet.
English kid Jamie Gittens has been a breakout star for Dortmund this season and a weekend goal against Freiburg took the winger's tally for the season to six. The 20-year-old is 23/10 with Betano for another goal and also a tempting 18/5 at Unibet for an assist.
Probable line-ups
Dinamo Zagreb are set to be without keeper Ivan Nevistic and defender Mauro Perkovic again as they close in on returns from injury. Dortmund look set to be without flying winger Karim Adeyemi and stopper Niklas Sule but forward Serhou Guirassy should start after an illness.
Dinamo Zagreb: Zagorac, Ogiwara, Theophile-Catherine, Torrente, Ristovski, Baturina, Misic, Sucic, Pjaca, Kulenovic, Spikic.
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini, Nmecha, Sabitzer, Beier, Brandt, Gittens. Guirassy.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both these sides have been involved in some Champions League crackers this season so I'm expecting this match to be entertaining. Combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals only pays 5/6 with Bet365 but over 3.5 goals on its own is worth a punt at 11/8 with Betano.
Dinamo Zagreb have lost on the corner count in all their Champions League group games so it could pay to back Dortmund in that market. The Germans look good at -1 in the corner handicap, which pays 20/21 at Bet365, while over 5.5 Borussia flag kicks also appeals at 11/10.
Dinamo midfielder Petar Sucic was sent off for Croatia in their Nations League loss to Scotland after picking up two first-half yellow cards. He's 4/1 to go in the book here with Bet365 and that could be worth a punt.
This UEFA Champions League match between Dinamo Zagreb and Borussia Dortmund will be played on Nov 27, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dinamo Zagreb vs Borussia Dortmund prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
