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Sunderland will hope to return to winning ways in the Europa League on Thursday, when they welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats are currently ninth with seven points from three games in the league phase, whereas the visitors are 18th with four points from a possible nine.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb key stats
- Dinamo Zagreb have conceded at least two goals in four of their past 10 matches
- Both teams have scored in five of Sunderland's last eight games.
- Dion Beljo has scored six goals in his last six games for Dinamo Zagreb.
Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb preview: Respite for Regis Le Bris?
Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb — Tale of the Tape
| Sunderland | vs | Dinamo Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| 9th | Position | 18th |
| 7 | Points | 4 |
| 4 | Goals For | 3 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 15th | Home / Away Rank | 24th |
Sunderland enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26, but the current season has been nightmarish, with the cub languishing in last place in the Premier League with just five points from nine games.
Their latest result was a damaging 3-1 loss against Coventry City at home last weekend, and there have been some calls from some sections of the fanbase for manager Regis Le Bris to be replaced.
The head coach has overseen wins in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, though his side were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Lech Poznan on October 22.
Brian Brobbey may be Sunderland's focal point up front, but he could be rested in favour of Wilson Isidor given the Black Cats face a key test against Chelsea on Sunday.
Dinamo Zagreb's Europa League campaign has been mixed, as while they managed to take four points from their opening two fixtures, they suffered a 4-2 defeat against NEC Nijmegen in gameday three on October 22.
That loss was the club's second in three games, with Mario Kovacevic overseeing a 1-0 defeat against Rudes on October 31 in the Croatian top flight.
Dinamo Zagreb are second in their domestic league with 22 points after 11 matchweeks, and while they are four points behind first-placed Hajduk Split, they boast the advantage of a game in hand.
Striker Dion Beljo has been in fine form for the visitors, scoring six goals in his last six fixtures, and he will need to replicate that form on Thursday if his side are to win.
Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb form guide & betting tips
| Sunderland | vs | Dinamo Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
WWD |
Form | DWL |
| 7 | Points | 4 |
| N/A | Form Table | N/A |
| 4 | Goals For | 3 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 4 |
LDDWL |
Form (All Comps) | WWLWL |
Whispers predicts: Sunderland 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb
Despite their struggles of late, the bookmakers have overwhelmingly backed a Sunderland win at 12/25 (1.48).
Dinamo Zagreb have conceded at least two goals in four of their past 10 matches, and that may make a prediction of Over 1.5 Goals for Sunderland at 1/2 (1.5) a strong starting bet.
Given both teams have scored in five of Sunderland's last eight games, it would be sensible to back Both Teams to Score at 4/5 (1.8).
There could be value in backing Dion Beljo to Score at 5/2 (3.5) considering he has scored six goals in his last six games for Dinamo Zagreb.
> Over 1.5 Goals for Sunderland at 1/2 (1.5) | Likelihood: High
> Both Teams to Score at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Medium
> Dion Beljo to Score at 5/2 (3.5) | Likelihood: Low