Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) and Celtic (Scotland) will take place on December 10 at the Maksimir Stadium. Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 78;
Average yellow cards per match – 6;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 23%.
Predicted lineups for Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic
Dinamo Zagreb (4-1-4-1): Daniel Zagorac – Stefan Ristovski, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Sadegh Moharrami, Ronael Pierre-Gabriel – Maxime Bernauer – Marko Rog, Luka Stojkovic, Martin Baturina, Branko Pavic – Lukas Kacavenda.
Celtic (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel – Greg Taylor, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston – Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Arne Engels – Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo Furuhashi.
Dinamo Zagreb
The Croatians failed to capitalize on their home advantage in the last round, suffering a 0-3 defeat to Borussia. This was only their second loss in the group stage, but once again a heavy one (previously, they lost 2-9 away to Bayern). Before facing Dortmund, Dinamo Zagreb had a three-match unbeaten run in the Champions League (2 wins and 1 draw). The club is currently 23rd with 7 points.
Midfielders Josip Misic, Arijan Ademi, and Petar Sucic, forward Bruno Petkovic, and defenders Raul Torrente and Takuya Ogihara will miss the match due to injuries.
- The Balkans have not lost in 6 of their last 8 Champions League matches (4 wins and 2 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Dinamo's last 9 games in this tournament.
- The number "2" has appeared in the final score in 7 of Dinamo's last 10 Champions League encounters.
Celtic
The Scots are one point ahead of Dinamo Zagreb, sitting in 20th place in the standings. Brendan Rodgers' side has suffered only one defeat, but it was also a heavy one – a 1-7 loss to Borussia. This defeat occurred in the second round, but since then, the team has remained unbeaten. In their last three matches, Celtic defeated Leipzig (3-1) and drew with Atalanta (0-0) and Brugge (1-1).
- In their last 20 Champions League matches, the club has won only three times in regular time (7 draws and 10 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Celtic's last 6 Champions League matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Celtic's last 10 games in this tournament.
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic: Match Prediction
In the upcoming match, I believe the hosts will be more motivated, as they face Arsenal and Milan in the remaining two rounds. Dinamo is unlikely to earn points against top clubs, so they will aim for victory in this match, needing to push forward and score as many goals as possible.
Celtic's situation is slightly better. They will host Young Boys in the next Champions League match, where they can earn three points, but will face Aston Villa away in the final group stage game. It will be challenging even to draw in England. Therefore, the Scots will also try to score in Croatia to avoid defeat.
Notably, at least three goals have been scored in Dinamo's last six home Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Celtic has conceded two or more goals in 6 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
My prediction – Total over 2.5 goals
