Sevilla hosts Dinamo Zagreb at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the first leg of the Europa League knockout playoffs on Thursday night with kickoff at 23:00.
Sevilla made shambles in their Champions League group stage campaign, with club managing to claim just one win in their six matches in Group G, while losing two and picking up three draws in the process. A result Sevilla finished in third behind Lille and RB Salzburg booking a place in the knockout playoffs of the Europa League.
However, Los Sevillanos have made a terrific La Liga campaign with side now in contention for the title as they sit just four points behind Real Madrid and are seen as favorites to win the Europa League tittle but will have to prove their worth in the field as they face an in-form Dinamo Zagreb side.
Sevilla are in a good home form though having lost none of their last eight matches at Pizjuan claiming five wins in the run and are coming off a confidence bosting 2-0 win against Elche at home in their previous La Liga fixture.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb made it to the knockout playoffs after finish in second in Group H of the competition with three points behind West Ham United. The Croatians were impressive in the group stage claiming three wins one draw and two defeats in their six matches and will want to build on that as they look to go deep in the competition.
Dinamo are currently on a brilliant form having won all their last 10 matches across all competitions and have done well to claim 49 points from their 22 matches in the Croatian First Football League to sit at the summit of the league with three points in the clear, and a game in hand on the second-placed Osijek.
Therefore, Zagreb will be looking to extend their winning-streak, but will need to draw all the momentum acquired to get past Sevilla. The last time the two met Sevilla cruised to a 4-0 win at home.
Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb head to head
Both sides to have met in two occasions since 2016 with Sevilla winning in both encounters.
- Sevilla 4-0 Dinamo Zagreb 02/11/16
- Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Sevilla 18/10/16
Home
- Sevilla 2-0 Elche
- Osasuna 0-0 Sevilla
- Sevilla 2-2 Celta Vigo
- Valencia 1-1 Sevilla
- Real Betis 2-1 Sevilla
Away
- Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Gorica
- Istra 1961 1-2 Dinamo Zagreb
- Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 Rijeka
- Dinamo Zagreb 4-3 Sturm Graz
- Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 Domzale
Sevilla team news
Erik Lamela, Jesus Navas, Montiel and Suso will all miss due to injuries while Ocampos should be fit to return.
Dinamo Zagreb team news
Dinamo Zagreb have no injury or suspension concerns.
Prediction and odds
- Sevilla win
- Both sides to score
- Goals over 2.5
