Osijek vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction: It’s a derby, but Dinamo are huge favorite

The first serious HNL derby in the new season is scheduled for this Sunday, in which Osijek and Dinamo will meet. The home team did not open the season well under coach Federico Coppitelli. The defeat at home against Sibenik pushed Osijek to the bottom of the table, and the draw with Azerbaijan's Zira complicated their life in the Conference League. Now, Dinamo are coming to Opus Arena, which is an even bigger challenge than what Osijek's football players have had to deal with this summer. 

Form: DLWWL

The management sold the best football player during the week. Ramon Mierez left Osijek, just two weeks after scoring a hat-trick in the first half-hour against Levadia in the Conference League. Coppitelli has no choice but to turn to young footballers, such as Anton Matkovic, who has shown great potential in recent games. Osijek still have the gifted Domagoj Bukvić in the offensive, and the Swiss Kemal Ademi was brought in, who should take over the place in the center of the attack. As for the midfield, Vedran Jugovic is pulling the strings, and Brazilian Pedro Lima is playing an increasingly important role. In defense, Renan Guedes and Andre Duarte represent foreign reinforcements, and a certain improvement can be seen compared to the previous season. However, many things are still not right, so this team has a lot of work to do this season. 

Form:WDWWL

As for Dinamo, under the leadership of Sergej Jakirovic, they overcame Istra in the season opener and look impressive this summer. He doesn't have to worry much about Europe, because he enters the competition only in the last preliminary round, and during the fall he will play either in the Champions League or in the Europa League. The club got stronger with two big names. Winger Marko Pjaca was brought in from Rijeka, eager to prove himself in the city where he launched his career. Marko Rog is trying to revive his career, and Dinamo could definitely help him in that. Last winter, Jakirovic also brought in Arber Hoxha, who is very dangerous on the left side. Bruno Petkovic is still on the team, always in a good mood in derby matches.

Either because of the sale of players or because of the current form, the bookmakers declared Dinamo the favorite in this match, even though the match is being played at the Opus Arena. I agree with that this time. Jakirovic's team has been significantly strengthened in recent months, while Osijek decided to sell their best player. The home team has problems in defense, which the "Blues" usually do not forgive. That's why my recommendation is a bet on the victory of Dinamo, with several goals difference.