GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs NK Slaven Belupo preview, prediction, head-to-head, team news, possible line-ups, and betting tips

Adesoji Michael

Adesoji Michael is a professional sports journalist and betting expert, delivering insightful analysis, match previews, and data-driven predictions. With a strong grasp of betting markets and storytelling, I help readers make informed decisions while enjoying the thrill of sports. Connect with me on socials for more insightful content.

4 Minutes Read
September 27, 2025

A classic Croatian Football League (HNL) encounter is on the schedule as the perennial champions, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, host the notoriously resilient NK Slaven Belupo at the Stadion Maksimir. For the Zagreb giants, this is a fixture where three points are seen as a formality as they continue their relentless pursuit of another domestic title. Slaven Belupo, a stable mid-table side, travel to the capital knowing the odds are stacked against them, but will be aiming to produce a disciplined, defensive performance to frustrate the champions.

This match preview will break down what is historically one of the most one-sided fixtures in Croatian football. We will analyse the overwhelming head-to-head statistics, the chasm in recent form, and the latest team news to provide expert predictions for punters, with a focus on finding value in the handicap and goals markets.

GNK Dinamo Zagreb Vs NK Slaven Belupo match preview/Betting preview

Team Recent Form

Based on their recent fixtures in the 2025/26 Croatian HNL season, here is the competitive form for both clubs.

GNK Dinamo Zagreb: WWWDW

NK Slaven Belupo: DLWDL

key stats

Dinamo Zagreb’s home record in this fixture is perfect; they have won their last 11 consecutive home matches against Slaven Belupo in all competitions.
The Stadion Maksimir is a fortress; the champions are on a 25-match unbeaten run at home in the HNL, a streak stretching back to late 2023.
Slaven Belupo have a major goalscoring problem when visiting this stadium, having failed to find the back of the net in seven of their last nine trips to face Dinamo.

My prediction is a 3-0 victory for GNK Dinamo Zagreb. Even with expected squad rotation following a midweek European fixture, the gulf in quality between these two sides is immense. Dinamo Zagreb’s dominance at the Stadion Maksimir is absolute, and their head-to-head record against Slaven Belupo is one of the most dominant in European football. Slaven Belupo will defend deep and try to make things difficult, but they lack the attacking threat to cause problems, and it’s only a matter of time before Dinamo’s superior quality breaks them down. Expect a professional, comfortable, and clean-sheet victory for the hosts.

GNK Dinamo Zagreb Vs NK Slaven Belupo H2H

Dinamo Zagreb’s winning streak at home against Slaven Belupo currently stands at a remarkable 11 consecutive matches.
Clean sheets are a very common theme, with Slaven Belupo failing to score in seven of their last nine visits to the Stadion Maksimir.
You have to go all the way back to 2008 to find Slaven Belupo’s last victory of any kind at Dinamo Zagreb’s home ground.
Dinamo typically win this fixture with ease, securing a victory by a margin of two or more goals in eight of their last ten home matches against Slaven Belupo.

pre game odds

GNK Dinamo Zagreb Win: 1.18
Draw: 7.00
NK Slaven Belupo Win: 14.00

(Odds are subject to change and are correct as of the time of writing)

team news GNK Dinamo Zagreb

Manager Sergej Jakirović will almost certainly rotate his squad to manage player fatigue after their midweek European commitments. Key players like star striker Bruno Petković and creative midfielder Martin Baturina may start on the bench to give opportunities to other squad members. Despite the changes, the team will still be packed with international-level talent, showcasing the incredible depth at the club’s disposal.

team news NK Slaven Belupo

Slaven Belupo’s manager, Ivan Radeljić, has a fully-fit squad to choose from for the daunting trip to the capital. He is expected to name his most defensive-minded lineup, likely deploying a five-man backline to try and congest the space and frustrate the Dinamo attack. The team’s primary focus will be on organisation and discipline, with limited attacking ambition.