Dinamo Zagreb vs West Ham United
After back-to-back failed qualification bids in 2015 and 2016, West Ham United are finally set to play in the Europa League group stage for the first time in their history.
The Hammers will head into their Group H opener against Dinamo Zagreb in fine form after making an undefeated start through four games in the Premier League.
However, the Europa League 2021 betting odds for this match will be quite competitive considering Dinamo’s success in this tournament last season, when they made it all the way to the quarter-finals.
Talking Points
West Ham new boys could get the start
West Ham United will enter their Europa League opener on the back of consecutive draws against Crystal Palace and Southampton in the league. Those draws have slowed down the early momentum of David Moyes’ side, which began the season with back-to-back impressive wins over Newcastle and Leicester City.
Striker Michail Antonio has been instrumental to the Hammers’ good start; he is currently the Premier League’s co-leading scorer with four goals and also has three assists.
Antonio was sent off in stoppage time against Southampton and will be suspended for the weekend’s game against Manchester United, which likely means he will get the start in midweek.
Moyes has not made too many changes to his mostly settled starting XI this season, but he could finally do so against Dinamo ahead of the big game against his old club United. Captain Mark Noble, as well as new signings Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic, are among the candidates to get a start in Zagreb.
Zouma has a wealth of experience playing in top European competitions. He was part of the Chelsea side that won the Champions League last season.
Meanwhile, Vlasic is a Croatian international and was formerly of Hajduk Split – Dinamo Zagreb’s biggest rivals – so he will be more than ready to play in the hostile environment that awaits in the Stadion Maksimir.
Dinamo ready for another Europa League run
Dinamo Zagreb – Croatian champions in 15 of the last 16 seasons – are off to another strong start this year. They are currently tied at the top in the Croatian league with seven wins, a draw and a defeat in their first seven games.
Although, Dinamo lost 3-0 on aggregate to FC Sheriff in the Champions League qualifying play-off, which is why they are back in the Europa League this season.
Dinamo Zagreb had a terrific run in last year’s tournament. They made it all the way to the quarter-finals, where they lost to eventual champions Villarreal.
Unfortunately, a few of their key performers from that run – top scorer Mario Gavranovic, midfielder Lovro Majer, and defender Josko Gvardiol – moved on in the summer transfer window.
However, Mislav Orsic, who produced many Europa League 2021 highlights with six goals last season, is still with the team and will lead the line along with Bruno Petkovic.
Croatian international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was also a standout player as he made the Europa League team of the tournament last year. But he missed the weekend’s match due to a thigh injury and is doubtful to play against West Ham.
History
This will be the first-ever meeting between Dinamo Zagreb and West Ham United in UEFA competition.
West Ham have only played two matches against Croatian competition, which both came in the first round of the 1999 UEFA Cup. They won both matches to advance 6-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb have had 15 matches against English opponents, with just two wins, two draws, and 11 defeats. However, one of those wins was a famous 3-0 victory at home to knock out Premier League club Tottenham 3-2 on aggregate. Orsic scored a hat-trick, including the winner in extra-time, to send Dinamo to the quarter-finals.
Betting Tip
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Dinamo Zagreb vs West Ham United | 1X2 Draw @ 3.20 |
| September 17, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have West Ham as slight 2.13 favourites to open their Europa League campaign with a win away from home. Dinamo Zagreb are priced at 2.96, while a draw is 3.20.
This is quite a tough opening fixture for the Hammers – most likely their toughest of the group stage – and they will be keen not to lose it. Even with Man United coming up on the weekend, Moyes will be careful not to look past Dinamo Zagreb.
I expect Moyes to field a strong side but is unlikely to be too adventurous in attack away from home. That could lead to quite a cagey match, with the Hammers doing enough to get a draw in their Europa League debut.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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