Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction (Europa League) Odds and Bets 05.11.2026

Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent start to their Europa League campaign, collecting seven points from three matches. Le Bris’s side beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at home before securing a 2-1 victory away to Torreense. Their latest European fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against Lech Poznań. The Black Cats have been particularly impressive going forward, registering 67 shots and 21 attempts on target across those three matches. However, domestic performances have been far less convincing. Sunderland sit bottom of the Premier League with five points from nine fixtures, having recently lost 3-1 at Coventry City.

A 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Brentford offered some encouragement, but Sunderland need greater consistency. Injuries could also affect Thursday’s selection. Daniel Ballard and Romaine Mundle remain sidelined, while Habib Diarra has suffered another muscle problem. Nordi Mukiele is unavailable under concussion protocols, leaving Le Bris with defensive decisions to make. Despite those concerns, Sunderland’s European results give them a strong chance of securing another victory.

Dinamo Zagreb arrive in Sunderland following a turbulent week. A surprise 1-0 domestic defeat against Rudeš led to Mario Kovačević’s departure, with former Croatian international Jerko Leko taking temporary charge. Their Europa League campaign has been mixed. Dinamo began with a goalless draw against Hapoel Beer-Sheva before beating Anderlecht 1-0.

However, their latest European outing ended in a disappointing 4-2 home defeat against NEC Nijmegen. Dion Beljo has been their standout attacking player, scoring 17 goals in 18 competitive appearances this season, including all three of Dinamo’s Europa League goals. Leko has acknowledged that rotation could be necessary, particularly with a domestic fixture against Varaždin approaching on Sunday. The managerial change adds uncertainty, but Beljo’s finishing makes Dinamo dangerous when opportunities arise.

1. Sunderland’s Attacking Pressure: The Black Cats have produced 67 shots and won 27 corners in three European matches. Their ability to create chances should trouble Dinamo.
2. Dinamo’s Defensive Vulnerability: The Croatian side kept clean sheets against Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Anderlecht but conceded four goals against NEC.
3. Home Advantage: Sunderland have already beaten AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light, where another positive European result could lift confidence.
4. Managerial Change: Jerko Leko has had limited preparation time before his first European assignment with Dinamo’s senior team.
5. Sunderland’s Injury Problems: Ballard, Mundle, Diarra and Mukiele are unavailable. Those absences could give Dinamo opportunities, particularly through Beljo.