Dinamo Zagreb vs NEC Nijmegen 22 October 2026 Prediction

Dinamo Zagreb can stay among the Europa League leaders with a win in Matchday 3. NEC Nijmegen is still looking for its first league-phase victory to improve its chances of advancing. Dinamo has won its last two games, while NEC is winless in eight.

Dinamo Zagreb's Recent Wins and Defensive Concerns

Dinamo Zagreb enters Matchday 3 on a two-game winning streak. A stoppage-time penalty secured a 1-0 win over Anderlecht, followed by a 5-1 victory against Slaven Belupo in the Croatian league. Those results helped manager Mario Kovačević's team respond to a 2-1 loss to Hajduk. The Slaven Belupo game was not as comfortable as the score suggests: the visitors created several chances, and Dominik Kotarski had to make multiple saves. Anderlecht also exposed gaps in Dinamo's defense, putting six shots on target, generating 1.09 xG and hitting the crossbar twice in the first half.

Dion Beljo scored the winner against Anderlecht and struck twice against Slaven Belupo. Dani Rodríguez opened the scoring on Sunday, won a penalty and was active on the right wing. Kovačević said the squad has recovered from a viral illness. Paul Tabinas, Fran Topić, Robert Mudražija and Ivan Nevistić are not registered for the Europa League and cannot play against NEC.

NEC Nijmegen's Winless Run and Injury Concerns

NEC travels to Zagreb without a win in eight competitive games, although its last four ended in draws: 1-1 against Go Ahead Eagles, Ajax and Levski, and 2-2 against Fortuna. NEC's performance against Fortuna was stronger than the result. Dick Schreuder's team outshot its opponent 24-5, won the corner count 13-0 and produced 2.86 xG to Fortuna's 0.44. Still, NEC fell behind twice, missed a penalty and needed a 93rd-minute equalizer. The finishing was similarly wasteful against Levski: NEC scored once from 18 shots, including nine on target, and 1.98 xG.

NEC also has personnel concerns. Defenders Bram Nuytinck and Philippe Sandler remain out injured. Dušan Tadić sustained a calf injury against Levski and is questionable for this match. Emre Mor may also miss out, though Schreuder said he could return in time for the trip to Zagreb.

Dinamo Zagreb vs NEC Nijmegen: Predicted Lineup

Dinamo Zagreb (4-1-4-1): Kotarski; Galešić, Domínguez, Radeljić, Vinlöf; Mišić; Almena, Stojković, Ivanušec, Hoxha; Beljo.

Unavailable: Tabinas, Topić, Mudražija, Nevistić (all not registered).

Manager: Mario Kovačević.

NEC Nijmegen (3-4-2-1): Krettas; Bras, Schuurs, Fonville; Kers, Nejašmić, Lebreton, Bischoff; Chery, Willumsson; Linssen.

Team news: Nuytinck, Sandler (injured); Mor, Tadić (questionable); Thomas, Bakker, Tahaui, Hansen-Aarøen (not registered).

Manager: Dick Schreuder.

Referee: Manfredas Lukjančukas (Lithuania).

Lukjančukas has officiated four European matches this season, averaging 3.25 yellow cards per game. He has not shown a red card or awarded a penalty in those matches.

Dinamo Zagreb vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction: NEC Nijmegen to Win or Draw at 2.25

Main prediction: NEC has created chances throughout its winless run and earned draws against Go Ahead Eagles, Ajax, Levski and Fortuna, including a result away to Ajax. Dinamo's recent results against stronger opponents are less convincing: a narrow 1-0 win over Anderlecht, a 0-0 draw with Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and losses to Hajduk and Osijek. All four games came within Dinamo's last seven matches. If NEC maintains its attacking output, it has a good chance of taking at least a point. Our pick: NEC Nijmegen to win or draw at 2.25.

Goals prediction: Both teams create chances, and Dinamo has allowed opponents opportunities despite its recent wins. Dinamo has scored 23 goals and conceded 11 in its last 10 games across all competitions. NEC produced 2.86 xG against Fortuna and 1.98 against Levski, scoring three goals across those two matches. Better finishing from the visitors could make this a high-scoring game. Our pick: Over 3.5 total goals at 2.42.