Sevilla will be looking to move on from their poor showing in the UEFA Champions League as they host Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff. The Spaniards often do their best work at home and should secure a solid advantage in Thursday's clash.
It was a dismal showing for Sevilla in the Champions League as they crashed out of the competition after finishing third in their group. The Europa League has proved a good hunting ground for the Spaniards who have won the competition a record six times.
Sevilla have such a good record in the Europa League, they emerged Champions in their last appearance back in 2020. They are also head into Thursday’s clash unbeaten in their last 29 matches in the competition.
Another positive for Sevilla is that they have been in good form lately and are currently challenging Real Madrid for the La Liga title. Julen Lopetegui’s men are unbeaten in their last eight home matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Elche in La Liga last weekend.
Dinamo Zagreb have also shown some good form lately and have won their last 11 matches across all competitions. Sitting three points clear at the top of the Croatian HNL.
The Croats are in the Europa League knockout round playoffs after finishing second in the group stage. They have claimed just three wins in the competition, including a 1-0 victory at already qualified West Ham in their previous victory.
Dinamo Zagreb are generally unconvincing on their travels in the Europa League and have lost three of their last five away matches in the competition.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Sevilla as overwhelming favourites at 9/20 with novibet while a victory for Dinamo Zagreb is priced at 43/5 by SBK. Quinnbet is offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head
Sevilla and Dinamo Zagreb met twice in the group stage of the 2016-17 Champions League with the Spaniards winning both matches. They claimed a 1-0 victory in Croatia before running out 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Players to watch
Sevilla have multiple attacking threats but Rafa Mir often leads the line and could be worth keeping an eye on. The striker was on target in the win over Elche and could be considered to score anytime at 13/10 with bet365.
The Spaniards often keep things tight at the back and have not conceded in their last two matches. Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos have a solid partnership at the heart of the defence and can lead the team to another clean sheet at evens with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sevilla are expected to claim the victory on Thursday and given their solid defensive record, a win to nil could be on the cards at 5/4 with bet365. A -1 handicap for the Spaniards could also be considered at 5/4 with novibet.
Sevilla are also likely to be the only team to score on Thursday at 5/4 with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Sevilla and Dinamo Zagreb will be played on Feb 17, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
