Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb square off in a UEFA Champions League fixture, with both teams still seeking their first win in the competition. Goals are expected in this fixture as neither side has shown much defensive solidity this season.
Salzburg have found it difficult in this year’s Champions League as they have lost their opening two matches. The major problem has been a leaky defence as they began with a 3-0 defeat to Sparta Prague before falling 4-0 at home to Brest in their previous fixture.
Things have been generally erratic for Salzburg in recent times having picked up three wins and suffered two defeats in their last five matches. Pep Lijnders’ team will head into Wednesday’s clash off the back of a 2-1 victory over Rheindorf Altach last Saturday.
Like Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb have also been plagued by defensive problems in the competition as they continue the search for their first win.
Nenad Bjelica’s men were hammered 9-2 by Bayern Munich in their opening fixture before battling to a 2-2 draw with Monaco last time out
While Dinamo Zagreb are unbeaten in their last five matches, they have also been a bit erratic. They have picked up three wins and two draws in that run and were held to a 2-2 scoreline by Istra 1961 last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Salzburg highly fancied
Despite their struggles, Salzburg are still considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 8/11 by Betfred. A victory for Dinamo Zagreb is valued at 16/5 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Salzburg on top
Salzburg have a 4-1 advantage with three draws from eight previous matches against Dinamo Zagreb. Both teams met during the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, with the Austrians claiming a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena before playing out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Gloukh
Oscar Gloukh is a major attacking threat for Salzburg and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward has five goals this season and is priced at 7/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Wednesday.
Dinamo Zagreb can also hold their own going forward and will look to Sandro Kulenovic to provide the spark. The attacker has six goals this season and is priced at 13/5 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Gloukh was a second half substitute at the weekend and could be set to start on Wednesday for Salzburg. Karim Konate should lead the line again while Samson Baidoo is set to continue in defence.
Kulenovic was on target for Dinamo Zagreb at the weekend and should continue in attack on Wednesday. Josip Misic is set to feature in midfield while Kevin Theophile-Caterine should retain his place in defence.
Salzburg: Blaswich, Dedic, Piatowski, Baidoo, Terzic, Kjaergaard, Diambou, Bidstrup, Gloukh, Baidoo, Konate
Dinamo Zagreb: Zograc, Ristovski, Theophile-Caterine, Torrente, Pierre-Gabriel, Misic, Pjaca, Ademi, Sucic, Stojkovic, Kulenovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb have been woeful at the back this season and could be set to serve up goals here. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 100/30 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 6/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Both teams saw more goals after the break last time out in the Champions League and a similar pattern is priced at evens with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb will be played on Oct 23, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
