Dinamo Zagreb will be targeting a solid advantage when they host Qarabag in their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday. Qarabag have been decent in the qualifiers but could find things difficult against Zagreb, who often do their best work at home.
Dinamo Zagreb are making their first appearance in this year’s Champions League having drawn a bye in the preliminary rounds. They failed to make it beyond this stage last season and will be looking to go one better this time around.
It has been a great start to the domestic campaign for Dinamo Zagreb, who have a perfect 100% record in the HNL after three matches. Sergej Jakirovic’s men have been particularly impressive at home, claiming a 5-0 victory over Istra 1961 in their opening fixture, before thrashing Sibenik 3-1 last weekend.
Qarabag have had to come through the rounds, overcoming Ludogorets 8-4 on aggregate to reach the playoffs. They had lost 2-1 at home before claiming a 7-2 extra-time victory in Bulgaria to turn the result around.
Manager Qurban Qurbanov will be pleased with his team’s character to fight back from a home defeat. Qarabag have been in good form lately, winning seven of their last eight matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Zagreb highly fancied
Dinamo Zagreb have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/5 with Betfred. An unlikely victory for Qarabag is valued at 3/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Dinamo Zagreb and Qarabag.
Players to watch: Kulenovic to fire Dinamo
Sandro Kulenovic has made a fine start to the season, scoring three HNL goals already and will be the one to watch on Tuesday. With Arber Hoxha also looking sharp in attack, both men could combine to ensure Dinamo Zagreb score first at 8/13 with Betfred.
Qarabag can also hold their own going forward as evidenced by their seven goal haul last time out. Juninho and Yassine Benzia have caught the eye going forward and can ensure the visitors get on the score sheet at 4/9 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Kulenovic’s fine start to the season means he is likely to lead the line for Dinamo Zagreb alongside Bruno Petkovic. Hoxha could be tasked with providing support while Maxime Bernauer should feature in defence.
Patrick Andrade and Matheus Silva impressed off the bench last time out for Qarabag and could be handed a start on Tuesday. Juninho should continue in attack with Benzia providing support.
Dinamo Zagreb: Nevistic, Mmaee, Bernauer, Ristovski, Rog, Misic, Spikic, Baturina, Hoxha, Petkovic, Kulenovic
Qarabag: Buntic, Matheus Silva, Mustafazadə, Medina, Cəfərquliyev, Julio Romao, Patrick Andrade, Leandro Andrade, Benzia, Zoubir, Juninho
Anything else catch the eye?
Dinamo Zagreb and Qarabag have plenty of quality in attack and could be set to serve up goals on Tuesday. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/11 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 7/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Having scored in both halves in their last two home matches, Dinamo Zagreb could be set for a similar pattern at 13/8 with Betfred. There were more goals after the break in Qarabag’s previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 21/20 by Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Dinamo Zagreb and Qarabag will be played on Aug 20, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dinamo Zagreb vs Qarabag prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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