After qualifying for the Europa League playoffs by the skin of their teeth, Dinamo Zagreb will meet Genk for a place in the competition’s last 16.
The visitors narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the final 16, with only goal difference separating the Belgian club from eighth-placed Roma.
Genk have enjoyed some positive results both in Europe and domestically, and will fancy their chances of taking something tangible to their own patch next week.
Explore our Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk betting tips below.
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Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk prediction: Inseparable after the first-leg
Key stats
- The hosts suffered four defeats across their last five Europa League outings.
- Mario Kovacevic’s men have registered six wins from their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Ten of Dinamo’s last 13 competitive fixtures produced goals at both ends.
- Genk have won four of their five European games on the road this season.
Correct score prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 Genk
The hosts are flying high on the domestic front, as a weekend victory took them five points clear at the top of the standings. Their only two defeats across their previous 10 outings came in this competition. Genk themselves have put together a run of six games without defeat in all competitions, including four wins on the bounce ahead of this fixture. With both sides in great form, a 1-1 stalemate is a likely outcome.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts slightly ahead
- HOME: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
This fixture is bound to be a close one, but the bookmakers are giving the home side the benefit of the doubt, as they enjoy a 45.5% chance of winning the first-leg. Despite Genk having a better run of results in the UEL, Ladbrokes has them down with a 31.3% chance of landing an away win on Thursday. A draw is the least likely, according to the odds, as it has a 29.4% chance of happening.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: History on Dinamo’s side
The previous two meetings between these clubs produced a victory for the hosts and a draw. Dinamo’s win actually came in Belgium in the 2021 Europa League group stage. The corresponding fixture that year ended 1-1. The hosts have a decent record against Belgian opposition, winning seven of the 12 meetings. Meanwhile, Genk must turn around their fortunes against Croatian clubs, as they have only won one in four such fixtures.
Dinamo Zagreb preview: Bennacer ruled out
Kovacevic will be without midfielder Ismael Bennacer, who has been missing since the end of January due to injury. Meanwhile, defender Raul Torrente is dealing with a knee problem and has yet to kick a ball for the club this season.
Predicted lineup: Nevestic; Galesic, Dominguez, McKenna, Goda; Soldo, Misic; Stojkovic, Vidovic, Varela; Beljo
Last five matches
- 14/02/26: Dinamo Zagreb 4-0 Istra 1961 (Croatian Football League)
- 08/02/26: Rijeka 0-0 Dinamo Zagreb (Croatian Football League)
- 02/02/26: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 Vukovar (Croatian Football League)
- 29/01/26: Midtjylland 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb (Europa League)
- 25/01/26: Osijek 0-3 Dinamo Zagreb (Croatian Football League)
Genk preview: No injuries for the visitors
Nicky Hayen can count himself fortunate, as he leads his team into this fixture without any major injury concerns. However, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Bryan Heynan and Mujaid Sadick are all at risk of suspension if they pick up a caution on Thursday.
Predicted lineup: Lawal; Sadick, Smets, Kayembe; El Ouahdi, Heynen, Heymans, Medina; Ito, Karetsas, Bibout
Last five meetings
- 13/02/26: KV Mechelen 2-3 Genk (Jupiler Pro League)
- 08/02/26: Genk 2-0 Anderlecht (Jupiler Pro League)
- 01/02/26: Dender 1-2 Genk (Jupiler Pro League)
- 29/01/26: Genk 2-1 Malmo (Europa League)
- 25/01/26: Genk 1-1 Cercle Brugge KSV (Jupiler Pro League)
Player to watch: Dion Drena Beljo
Dion Drena Beljo has already bagged four goals from his seven Europa League appearances this season. The forward is in hot form as well; he registered a goal and an assist in the hosts’ weekend league clash with Istra 1961. Beljo has now scored nine goals in his last eight appearances for Dinamo, which makes him the danger man for the home side in the first-leg.