Sunderland have had a disastrous start in the Premier League but they remain unbeaten in the Europa League and will be looking to strengthen their top-eight hopes at home to Dinamo Zagreb.
The Black Cats are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, taking only five points from nine games, and with that the pressure is starting to rise on manager Regis Le Bris.
Last year’s success is likely to buy the Frenchman some time and supporters are loving their journey in Europe, with wins over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense and a draw with Lech Poznan giving them seven points after three Europa League games.
With a visit from Chelsea upcoming on Sunday, Le Bris must weigh up his options against a Dinamo Zagreb team that have taken four points from their three outings.
The Croatian visitors sacked manager Mario Kovacevic after Saturday's league defeat to NK Rudes and, like Sunderland, are on a bit of a recovery mission.
Sunderland v Dinamo Zagreb Tips Summary
Best Bet - Sunderland to win & under 2.5 goals @ 3/1
Alternative Bet - Timur Tutierov anytime goalscorer @ 8/5
Bet Builder - Sunderland to win, Timur Tutierov 1+ shot on target & Omar Alderete to be booked @ 10/1
Sunderland v Dinamo Zagreb Prediction
Best Bet: Sunderland to win & under 2.5 goals @ 3/1
The Europa League is clearly having an impact on Sunderland domestically, with a small squad getting stretched by no midweek rest.
Sunday's home fixture against Chelsea is likely to influence Le Bris's team selection but this could be a good time to face Dinamo Zagreb, who are on the lookout for a new manager of their own.
Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Rudes was the final straw for Kovacevic and, for all Sunderland’s struggles, the Black Cats have lost only two of their seven matches at the Stadium of Light.
A lack of firepower has been the main problem for the Black Cats this season, with three of their five wins ending 1-0, and it may have to be another hard-fought success.
Dinamo Zagreb have played out a goalless draw with Hapoel Beer Sheva and won 1-0 at home to Anderlecht in Europe this season, so they are capable of offering stiff resistance for large periods.
Alternative Bet: Timur Tutierov anytime goalscorer @ 8/5
Having recently returned from injury, Brian Brobbey should be protected for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, leaving Timur Tutierov to again lead the line.
Tutierov has been Sunderland’s starting striker in cup competitions this season and he has scored three goals in his last six appearances, which includes opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan on matchday three.
The Ukrainian youngster also netted in last week’s EFL Cup fourth-round success over Brentford and may be able to bolster his tally against Dinamo Zagreb.
Sunderland v Dinamo Zagreb Bet Builder Tip
Sunderland to win
Timur Tutierov 1+ shot on target
Omar Alderete to be booked
Pays 10/1
Sunderland have seven points from three Europa League games and were unfortunate in the recent 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan, having won the shot count 25-16.
They can put things right at home to Dinamo Zagreb and Tutierov, who has three goals in his last six appearances, should have a successful evening.
Omar Alderete is expected to start at centre-back for Sunderland as he is suspended for Sunday’s fixture with Chelsea and another card may come his way.
Alderete was sent off in Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Coventry City and he was booked in a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar on matchday one of the Europa League.
Dinamo forward Dion Beljo is a handful and will ensure that the Paraguayan is on his toes.
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Key Match Stats
Sunderland have won four of their five games in cup competitions this term
Three of Sunderland's five wins this season have been by a 1-0 scoreline
Dinamo Zagreb have lost only two of their nine European matches this season
Two of Dinamo Zagreb’s three Europa League games have gone over 2.5 goals
Two of Dinamo Zagreb's first three Europa League matches were goalless at half-time
Sunderland have lost only two of their seven home matches this season
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
