The battle for the Europa League playoff spots is heating up, with Dinamo Zagreb set to lock horns with FCSB on Thursday, January 22.
The hosts enter the penultimate matchday just outside the qualification zone based solely on goal difference, but three UEL defeats on the bounce suggest poor form has come at the worst possible time.
Meanwhile, the visitors are a point adrift of their hosts and need a positive result here if they are to make the playoffs, just like they did last season.
Explore our Dinamo Zagreb vs FCSB betting tips below.
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Dinamo Zagreb vs FCSB predictions: Backing the comfort of home
Key stats
- The hosts had eight of their last 10 home games produce goals at both ends.
- Seven of the FCSB’s last 10 games in this competition saw more than two goals scored.
- FCSB’s two most recent matches ended in defeat by a single goal.
Correct score prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 FCSB
Zagreb have scored eight goals in their six UEL games this term, half of them arrived on home soil. The visitors scored one fewer in total, but have only managed two goals in their three away dates. Interestingly, FCSB conceded 11 goals in their six matches, averaging 1.83 goals per game. They’ve already lost by a 3-1 scoreline to Basel earlier in the campaign, while the hosts have won two league phase games by that scoreline.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts likely to snatch three points
- HOME: 8/13 (1.62) – 61.9%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Unsurprisingly, Zagreb are pegged to dispatch the visitors in this encounter. Ladbrokes gave the home side a 61.9% chance of winning the game, which is why their odds are quite low. The bookmaker suggests that a draw is more likely than an away victory, since it comes in at a 25% chance, while FCSB only have a 19% chance of securing the win.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Evenly split history
Their two most recent meetings were friendlies that occurred in 2016 and before that in 2011. Competitive fixtures took place in the Champions League back in 1993, when it was the away team in each leg who were victorious. Those meetings are too far away to offer an idea about where this game could go.
Dinamo Zagreb preview: Vinlof a doubt for the hosts
Zagreb are sweating on the fitness of Matteo Perez Vinlof. The 20-year-old defender did not feature in the club’s recent friendly outings. Vinlof’s last two appearances saw him play 90 minutes, and he managed to bag an assist in one. However, Mario Kovacevic may not have the services of Vinlof for this crucial encounter.
Predicted lineup: Filipovic; Galesic, Dominguez, McKenna, Perez Vinlof; Ljubicic, Misic, Zajc; Topic, Beljo, Hoxha
Last five matches
- Dinamo Zagreb 1-2 Hartberg
- Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 Lok Zagreb
- Slaven Belupo 2-5 Dinamo Zagreb
- Dinamo Zagreb 1-3 Real Betis
- Dimano Zagreb 1-1 Hajduk Split
FCSB preview: Players return from AFCON
The away side will be boosted by the news that Siyabonga Ngezana and Baba Alhassan are both available for selection. Meanwhile, midfielder Darius Olaru will be key for the visitors, as he ranks as the second most fouled player in the UEL this season.
Predicted lineup: Tarvovanu; Cretu, Lixandru, Dawa, Pantea; Chiriches, Tanase; Cisotti, Olaru, Toma; Birligea
Last five matches
- FC Arges 1-0 FCSB
- Besiktas 2-1 FCSB
- FCSB 2-1 Rapid Bucharest
- Unirea Slobozia 0-2 FCSB
- FCSB 4-3 Feyenoord
Player to watch: Dion Beljo
The hosts will rely on Dion Beljo for forward momentum in this one. The Croatian forward ended 2025 with a bang, scoring three goals in his final two appearances. Beljo received minimal minutes during the Europa League campaign, but this is the ideal opportunity for him to shine.