Real Betis and Dinamo Zagreb square off in the Europa Conference league playoff first leg with both teams looking to carry their recent good form into Europe. With both sides looking sharp at the moment, a closely fought encounter is expected, although Betis could have the slight edge at home.
Although they are still in Europe, Real Betis will be disappointed to have dropped to the Conference League playoffs. They had looked well on course to progress in Group C but back-to-back defeats in their final two matches saw them finish third.
One positive to take away from Real Betis’ group stage campaign is their home record as they claimed two wins from three matches at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Their overall home record in the competition is also decent as they are unbeaten in nine of their last 12 matches in front of their fans, stretching back to 2022.
Real Betis also head into Thursday’s clash in good form as they are unbeaten in four of their last five matches across all competitions. Manuel Pellegrini’s have claimed three I in that run, including a 2-0 victory at Cadiz in a La Liga fixture last weekend.
Dinamo Zagreb have been in the Conference League right from the start and could only secure a second place finish during the group stage. They had actually looked down and out before picking up successive wins in their final two matches to sneak into the playoffs.
It has been mostly smooth sailing for Dinamo Zagreb since the end of the Conference League Group stage as they have lost just once in 10 matches across all competitions. Sergej Jakirovic’s men have picked up seven wins in that run but were held 2-2 by Lokomotiva Zagreb in a Croatian League fixture last weekend.
Dinamo Zagreb have shown some good form on their recent travels and are unbeaten in their last five away matches across all competitions. However, they have lost two of their last three away matches in the Conference League.
How the bookies view it
Real Betis are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/6 by bet365. A victory for Dinamo Zagreb is valued at 8/2 by bet365 while William Hill is offering odds of 29/10 for a draw.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Real Betis and Dinamo.
Players to watch
Following Borja Iglesias’ departure in the January transfer window, Willian Jose has carried the attacking responsibility for Real Betis. The striker was on target last weekend and is priced at 13/8 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Dinamo Zagreb can also hold their own going forward with Bruno Petkovic the man often tasked with leading the line. The forward has four goals in the last three Conference League matches and is priced at 7/2 by bet365 to maintain his scoring run.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the attacking quality on display, both teams could be backed to score at 17/20 with Paddy Power. Dinamo Zagreb saw over 3.5 goals last weekend and a repeat is priced at 23/10 by Paddy Power while bet365 is offering 17/20 for over 2.5 goals.
Real Betis are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered for more value at 8/5 with Paddy Power.
This UEFA Europa League match between Real Betis and Dinamo Zagreb will be played on Feb 15, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Betis vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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