Salzburg vs D. Zagreb Prediction & Betting Tips (23 October)

Despite a favorable schedule at the start of the Champions League, Salzburg has shown serious shortcomings so far. Unable to score in the first two days, Red Bull suffered heavy setbacks on the pitch at Sparta Prague 3-0 and at home against Brest 0-4. A reaction is eagerly awaited this week against another a priori affordable adversary. Winners of their championship continuously from 2014 to 2023, the Austrians lost their crown during the previous year by finishing 2nd, behind Sturm Graz. This season, they got off to a sluggish start, as evidenced by their 5th place in the standings with 2 games less and 6 points behind the leader. Badly beaten on the Sturm Graz pitch just before the international break 5-0, Salzburg hosted the poorly ranked Altach last weekend. Considered one of the weakest teams in the Champions League, Dinamo Zagreb worried all observers during the first day with this humiliation experienced in the lair of Bayern Munich 9-2.

Two weeks later, the Croats reacted well. In difficult conditions, they stood up to Monaco and may even regret having let slip a 2-goal advantage in the last quarter of an hour 2-2. Seven-time reigning champion, Dinamo Zagreb is logically considered the big favorite to succeed this season. Bruno Petkovic's teammates are currently 3rd but are only 2 points behind leader Hadjuk Split. After going 3 games without a win, 1 draw and 2 defeats, they resumed their march forward by winning against Lokomotiv Zagreb 5-1 and Varazdin just before the international break 0-1. Last weekend, Dinamo traveled to Istra.

Several elements are missing in Salzburg this week. This is the case of potential starters Terzic, Morgalla (defenders), Kjaergaard (midfielder), Fernando and Ratkov (attackers). We also find in the infirmary the Japanese midfielder who arrived at the club this summer Kawamura, who has not yet been able to play in his new colors. Red Bull have yet to score since the Champions League kicked off. Israeli international Gloukh (5 goals and 2 assists in the league) is the most influential offensive element. Very effective last year, Ivorian striker Konaté (1 goal in the league) is having more difficulty expressing himself this season. Called up with Austria during the break, the young defender Baidoo (20 years old) is very present as is the midfielder on loan from Liverpool Bajcetic.

For Dinamo Zagreb, we must mention the packages of the senior defender Mmaee, the important winger Pjaca , the promising striker Stojkovic and the defenders absent since the start of the season Peric and Perkovic. Scorers against Monaco on the last day of the Champions League, midfielder Sucic and offensive player Baturina (1 goal and 5 assists in the league) should logically start this week. The latter could be associated with the solid striker Petkovic (3 goals and 2 assists in the league). These three elements were present with Croatia during the international break. Author of a good start to the season, striker Kulenovic (5 goals in the league) has, however, been less effective for several weeks. Behind, we find the former Stéphanois Theophile-Catherine and Pierre-Gabriel.