Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb Predictions

• Sevilla have won nine of their last 12 Europa League games.
• Dinamo Zagreb have scored in their last four Europa League away games and seven of their last eight on the road.
• Sevilla have failed to win only three of their last 23 home Europa League matches (three draws in 90 min).

Sevilla start about another Europa League run 

It’s hard to argue against six-time Europa League winners Sevilla coming through their two-legged play-off round tie with Dinamo Zagreb, but the visitors can certainly make life difficult for their hosts on Thursday. The Croatian champions reached the quarter-finals of this competition last season after stunning Spurs in the return leg of their last-16 clash and were only narrowly eclipsed by the eventual winners Villarreal.

This tie could pan out in a similar way to their two games against Unai Emery’s men in 2021 when both legs were decided by just a goal. The Blues scored a consolation at Estadio de la Cerámica in a 2-1 defeat, but the damage was done when they failed to score in a 1-0 home loss the week before.

Mislav Orsic is the dangerman for Dinamo, who top their domestic standings again and have won their last 11 games in all competitions. He scored the goal against a third-string West Ham side in the final group game that ensured the Citizens made it through and began the winning run that has lasted all winter.

Hosts not impregnable at home

Dinamo’s away performances in Europe have been a little hit and miss, but Sevilla’s home Champions League results were a mixed bag too. Julen Lopetegui’s men conceded at home to Salzburg and Lille before earning a 2-0 home win over woeful Wolfsburg, so we can see the Croatian champions grabbing a goal in Andalusia.

Thomas Delaney is expected to step into the breach with Sevilla’s midfield maestro Joan Jordan suspended for this first leg.

The pressure will be on Sevilla here and our expectation is that they find a way to win 2-1, albeit with difficulty. The Spaniards have failed to win only three of their last 23 Europa League games at the Sanchez Pizjuan, which will be rocking as usual.