It is top versus the basement boys when Malmo FF host Dinamo Zagreb at Eleda Stadion on Thursday in gameweek three of this season's Europa League.
The visiting side will be aiming to extend their winning run to three games in the competition, while the Swedish side are yet to claim a point in the 2025-26 competition.
The Malmo vs Dinamo Zagreb is part of our collection of Europa League predictions and betting tips below.
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Malmo vs Dinamo Zagreb predictions: The Visitors are backed by the bookies
Key stats
- Malmo lost three of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Dinamo Zagreb have four wins from their last five fixtures across all competitions.
- Dinamo's last five fixtures returned at least three total goals.
- Both sides have a victory in their previous two meetings.
Correct score prediction: Malmo 1- 2 Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb has been in fine form in both the domestic competition and in Europe, highlighted by their four wins in their last five fixtures.
Meanwhile, Swedish powerhouse Malmo seems to have fallen on hard times, failing to win in their first two matches of the Europa League. Although Anes Mravac's men will play in front of their fans, the visitors have the firepower and quality to claim another three points on Thursday.
That said, we are backing the leaders Dinamo Zagreb to earn a 2-1 win in Sweden on Thursday, as they seek to maintain their pacesetting position in the standings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The away side holds all the aces
- HOME: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- DRAW: 23/5 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Dinamo are considered favourites to carry the day when these two sides clash on Thursday, which is reflected by the odds as stated above. The visitors are priced at 5/4 (2.25), which is a 44.4% probability that they will win.
A draw, on the other hand, is pegged at 23/5 (3.30), which translates to 30.3% of that happening, and that is a fair reflection of the gulf between these teams.
The home side are not total outsiders with odds of 21/10 (3.10), representing a 32.3% chance of victory for the Swedish outfit.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting at this level
Both sides have met twice previously, but both meetings came in the Champions League in 2011. They were pretty much even, as the two teams claimed a win each.
Malmo preview: In search of their first win in the competition
Malmo FF will be desperate to get their first win on board, having lost their two matches in the competition thus far. Even more worrying is that they have scored only once and conceded five times.
That outcome leaves them bottom of the Europa League standings, and they will be looking to change all that on Thursday, when they come face-to-face with the Croatians.
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However, Erik Botheim (leg), Anders Christiansen (thigh), and Gentian Lajqi (knee) are all ruled out of Thursday's encounter. Meanwhile, Lasser Johnsen and Daniel Gudjohnsen are suspended for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Olsen (GK), Stryger, Jansson, Rosler, Olsson, Skogmar, Rosengren, Berg, Bolin, Haksabanovic & Ekong
Last five matches
- Norrkoping 0-2 Malmo
- Sirius 5-1 Malmo
- Plzen 3-0 Malmo
- Varnamo 2-1 Malmo
- Malmo 1-2 Ludogorets
Dinamo Zagreb preview: A fair few absentees for the visitors
Dinamo won 2-1 when they clashed last weekend, to remain at the top of the standings in the Croatian top flight, with seven wins, one draw and two losses in their last 10 league fixtures.
Besides the fact that they are top of the log after two games in the Europa League, they have a good away record, which is highlighted by their three wins in four games on the road in Europe.
Predicted lineup: Nevistic (GK), Goda, McKenna, Dominguez, Valincic, Bennacer, Misic, Zajc, Hoxha, Kulenovic & Bakrar
Last five matches
- Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Osijek
- Lokomotive Zagreb 2- 1 Dinamo Zagreb
- Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-3 Dinamo Zagreb
- Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 Slaven Belupo
- Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 Fenerbahce
Player to watch: Hugo Bolin
Hugo Bolin showed why he is highly rated within the Malmo squad when they handed a 2-0 defeat to Norrkoping in their last league outing. He found the back of the net once in that encounter, and he will be eager to add to his goals tally on Thursday.
Can Bolin lead his team to victory on Thursday? – Photo (Imago) Credit: TT