GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs PAOK Thessaloniki Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 07/03/2024, 06:37  by Sridhar in Conference League Predictions

Dinamo Zagreb will look to extend their journey in the Europa Conference League against free-scoring PAOK. This round of 16 first leg will be played at the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb on Thursday. The Croatian team came in second in Group C of this year’s competition, with three wins and losses each. They then eliminated Real Betis in the knockout playoffs, winning 1-0 away from home and earning a 1-1 draw at home. Dinamo will be careful, though, as they are without a win against Greek clubs in their last eight matches, drawing two and losing six. They come into this fixture with a bit of improved morale, though, having stitched together an unbeaten nine-game competitive form. This sequence has seen them win six and draw three matches, thereby giving them enough momentum to rewrite a new chapter in their rivalry against Greek clubs.

PAOK have a strong record against Croatian clubs, winning three and drawing two of their last five such matches. They are also coming off a very strong performance in the group phases, where they ended up as joint-top scorers with 16 goals. This has seen them win five and draw one of their six group stage games, keeping them unbeaten in Europe for 13 matches. The Greek side has won nine of its last 15 away matches in the Conference League, losing four, and would be quietly confident of upsetting the hosts here. Even this season, they have won their last eight away matches during regular time, a run that could be put to the test here. That said, PAOK have won their previous two matches against Dinamo, each with a 1-0 scoreline in 2010/11, and should be confident of their chances here.