Hosts aim to extend unbeaten run: Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction
On November 5, Sunderland will host Dinamo Zagreb in the fourth round of the Europa League. The English side sit ninth with seven points, while the Croatian club are 18th with four points. Both teams are going through a difficult period, but a strong run in European competition could help turn their fortunes around.
Sunderland: Premier League crisis and hope in Europe
Régis Le Bris's side are bottom of the Premier League, having collected just five points in nine rounds. The Black Cats are winless in seven consecutive league matches, with their latest outing ending in a 3-1 defeat to Coventry. Their Europa League form, however, has been far more impressive: victories over AZ (1-0) and Torreense (2-1), along with a 1-1 draw against Lech. The hosts remain unbeaten and are in contention for a place in the top eight.
Injuries are complicating preparations. Daniel Ballard, Romain Mundle and Habib Diarra are sidelined, while five more players are ineligible for the tournament. Nordi Mukiele and Juan Angulo remain doubts. A change up front is also possible: Wilson Isidor or Timur Tutyerov could replace Brian Brobbey. Sunderland have been highly active in attack, registering 67 shots across their three European matches.
Dinamo Zagreb: coaching change ahead of a difficult away trip
The Croatian club head into the match on the back of an unexpected 1-0 defeat to Rudeš, which led to Mario Kovačević's dismissal. Jerko Leko has taken temporary charge of the team. In the domestic league, Zagreb trail Hajduk by four points but have a game in hand. In the Europa League, Dinamo drew 0-0 with Hapoel Be'er Sheva, beat Anderlecht 1-0 and then lost 4-2 to NEC.
Dion Drena Beljo will be the main threat to the hosts' defence. The striker has scored 17 goals in 18 appearances this season, including three goals in two Europa League matches. However, Dinamo's away record is a concern: they have won just one of their last eight European matches on the road. Defender Scott McKenna could also be unavailable after suffering back problems. In his absence, Niko Galešić or Stjepan Radeljić will partner the centre-back.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Sunderland have not lost any of their three matches in the Europa League league phase
- Dinamo Zagreb have won just one of their last eight away matches in European competition
- Dion Drena Beljo has scored 17 goals in 18 appearances this season
Can Sunderland end their poor run? Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction
Despite their disastrous Premier League results, Sunderland have performed confidently in the Europa League. The team are creating plenty of chances and possess enough attacking quality to exploit their opponents' problems.
Dinamo will look to respond after the coaching change, while Beljo's scoring form gives the visitors a chance to find the net. However, the Croatians' poor away record and Sunderland's home advantage make the hosts the preferred pick.
