Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Thursday’s Europa League at Stadion Maksimir pits together Dinamo Zagreb and Genk, the two teams who are vying for second position in Group H. Dinamo Zagreb did well to beat Rapid Wien 3-1 in their last group game, with the team moving one step closer to booking their place in the knockout stages. The Croats aim to give fans yet another reason for celebration, but they should be happy with one point from the match as well.
Head coach Damir Krznar should have a full squad to choose from for the Europa League clash. Genk, on the other hand, played out a 2-2 draw with West Ham United in their last group game. The Belgians are likely to stick to their attacking style of play, but beating Dinamo in Zagreb is easier said than done. Taking everything into account, we believe that there is a big value in betting on draw. All Cuesta, Munoz, and Jukleroed are sidelined with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Kévin Théophile-Catherine):
Born in Saint-Brieuc, France, on October 28, 1989, Kevin Theophile-Catherine is a defender who plays for Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb. Theophile-Catherine started his youth career at Rennes and he continued playing for les Rouges et Noirs at senior level.
After scoring two goals in 98 appearances for the club from 2009 to 2013, he moved to Cardiff City in the 2013/2014 season, signing a four-year contract with the Bluebirds. After ending his loan spell with Saint-Etienne, he signed a permanent deal with les Verts in 2015 for a fee of £1.5 million.
The Dinamo Zagreb footballer has one cap with France U21 team, while making four appearances for the U20 team. His main position is centre-back, but he is capable of playing as both right and left back as well. His preferred foot is right and his contract with Dinamo Zagreb should expire on June 30, 2020. Theophile-Catherine made his debut for Dinamo Zagreb in a 2-1 win over Osijek on August 17, 2018.
Highlighted Team (Genk):
Founded in 1988, Genk are considered one of the youngest clubs in Belgium. Luminus Arena is the home stadium of the club, the capacity of the venue is 24 956 and it was built in 1999. Speaking of UEFA matches, the stadium can hold 21 500 spectators.
Genk clinched one Belgian Pro League trophy in the 20th century, with the team winning the 1989/1999 title. They finished the season with 73 points, two points clear of second-placed Club Brugge. Genk won their second domestic trophy in 2002 and the team lifted the Belgian Pro League title in 2011 as well. Speaking of the Belgian Cup, the club clinched their fourth trophy in the competition in 2013.
The club is well known for their brilliant school and you should bear in mind that the likes of Steven Defour, Christian Benteke, Thibaut Courtois, Divock Origi and Kevin De Bruyne are all products of Genk’s football academy.