Dinamo Zagreb and Monaco will duel in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 2, as both sides look for a key result.
Check out expert analysis of the fixture and a betting prediction below.
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco Odds, Picks, Prediction
| Dinamo Zagreb Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +120 | 2.5 -152o / +125u | +400 |
| Monaco Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -150 | 2.5 -152o / +125u | -150 |
- Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco moneyline odds: Dinamo Zagreb +400, Monaco -150, Draw +300
- Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco over/under: 2.5 goals (over -154, under +125)
- Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco pick: xyz
I am backing the over in Monaco vs. Dinamo Zagreb.
Dinamo Zagreb Preview
With 18 Croatian League titles in the past 19 years, it is fair to say that Dinamo Zagreb are too good for their domestic league. This domestic success, however, has not translated on the continental stage. Dinamo have never made it past the group stage of the Champions League since it changed its format in 1992-1993, but they will hope the new league phase gives them an opportunity to make history.
Dinamo began their European campaign on the same basis, losing 9-2 to Bayern Munich on the opening match day. While there are questions on whether Bayern are simply on another level this season or Dinamo are really that bad, answers will probably come out of this clash against Monaco.
Dinamo currently sit third in the Croatian league and have already suffered two defeats, 1-0 to Hajduk Split and a painful 4-1 loss against Slaven Belupo, who currently sit at the bottom of the league. While they have bounced back with two wins in their last two games, it is worth noting “The Blues” have conceded at least a goal in their last seven games.
Monaco Preview
Monaco are off to a flying start this season. Unbeaten in all competitions and tied for first place in Ligue 1, Les Monégasques managed to beat a surprisingly lackluster Barcelona in match day 1.
Barcelona brought the game within reach for Monaco through Marc-André Ter Stegen’s mistakes and Eric Garcia’s 10th minute red card, and Monaco did not hesitate to pounce on those opportunities. The winner came from 18-year old George Ilenekhina. The striker who signed this summer from Royal Antwerp had scored in similar fashion for the Belgian side last season in their historic 3-2 win over the same Barcelona.
Adi Hütter has his team press high and attempt to suffocate the opposition in front of their own goal. Once they get the ball back, Monaco try to either play quickly in transition, or break down their opponents using highly technical players such as Aleksandar Golovin, Maghnes Akliouche or Eliesse Ben Seghir. This season Monaco already have nine different scorers and have averaged around 60% of possession, meaning the team is not afraid to keep the ball and it knows how to make good use of it.
Monaco celebrated their 100th anniversary in their last game against Montpellier, and although they created 2.3 xG more than their opponents, the deadlock was broken by a 98th minute winner from 20-year old Lamine Camara to win the game 2-1. Monaco are yet to find their true goalscorer.
American striker Folarin Balogun had a disappointing first season for Monaco after they invested $43 million on him last year. With goals in back-to-back games, Balogun will be looking to further establish his spot as the main man up front. He was paired up with fellow striker Breel Embolo against Montpellier. The Swiss international played in a deeper role, using his link-up play to create space for Balogun and providing both assists in that game. With an abundance of attacking options, Monaco will be looking to extend their streak of scoring at least two goals in their last four games.
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Monaco Prediction
While there are lessons to be taken from the 9-2 loss to Bayern, mainly on the Croatian champion’s defensive fragility, this analysis cannot be based only on that game. Their coach was fired and since then, caretaker manager Dandro Perković has brought some much needed confidence.
On the other hand, Monaco are in full flow and will look to capitalize on an easier schedule in the next few match days, playing Red Star Belgrade and Bologna after the Dinamo game, before facing Benfica and Arsenal on match days 6 & 7. I am therefore expecting Les Monégasques to play an attacking brand of soccer, especially considering how important the goal difference will be this year.
It is worth noting Monaco have not kept a clean sheet in their last 15 European games, and Zagreb’s notorious atmosphere may play a role in intimidating Monaco’s younger players who are competing in their first Champions League season.
