Liam Duckstein
The 2026/27 1. HNL season kicks off at Stadion Maksimir with Dinamo Zagreb hosting Slaven Belupo on July 31st. Dinamo enter as heavy favourites, and the numbers back that up, but what makes this opener interesting is how Slaven Belupo performed in the head-to-head last season. They actually beat Dinamo 4-1 back in September 2024, which shows they are capable of causing problems when conditions align, even if that result looks like an outlier given the wider trend.
Miha Zajc is the player to watch for Dinamo. The midfielder leads the team in shots across recent matches and has already chipped in with a goal, bringing intensity and range from deep positions. Up front, Dion Drena Beljo has been sharp, leading the squad in total shots across the last five games and scoring in the process. Slaven Belupo’s lineup data is unavailable, which makes it difficult to single out individuals from their side, but their 4-4-2 setup typically relies on compact defensive lines and quick transitions.
Hot stat: Dinamo scored nine goals in a single match against Brinje Grosuplje in their recent run, which speaks to the attacking depth and confidence this squad carries into the new season.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2026/27, Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb |
| 🗓️ Date: | 31.07.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Dinamo Zagreb vs Slaven Belupo Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb winning this match is the logical conclusion of almost every data point available. They have won 22 of 32 matches this year, their form across the last 15 results includes ten wins and only three draws with zero losses, and they are playing at home in front of their own supporters on opening night. Slaven Belupo, by contrast, have won just eight of 31 matches in 2026, and their recent form shows four losses in the last seven games.
The head-to-head record reinforces this. Dinamo have won six of the last eight meetings, with Slaven Belupo’s only win coming in that September 2024 away fixture. In the last four encounters alone, Dinamo have scored 17 goals and conceded just six. The visitors have shown they can score, but keeping Dinamo out at Maksimir is a different challenge entirely.
For the best value, we predict a Dinamo Zagreb win with over 2.5 goals in the match. Dinamo’s attack has been firing consistently, and Slaven Belupo’s defensive record in 2026 gives little confidence they can keep this scoreline tight. A more adventurous angle is backing Dinamo to score in both halves, given how regularly they build leads early and then continue pressing.
Dinamo’s 4-1-4-1 shape under Mario Kovacevic tends to press high and recycle possession quickly. Their pass accuracy across recent matches sits at a strong level, and they generated 52 shots across just their last two recorded games. Slaven Belupo commit very few fouls by comparison, suggesting they sit deep and absorb pressure rather than press aggressively, which could actually suit Dinamo’s build-up play. Expect Dinamo to dominate corners and free kicks in dangerous areas.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Dinamo Zagreb to Score in Both Halves |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Dinamo Zagreb come into the season opener carrying strong momentum. Their last five results include a 4-2 win over Koper, a 9-0 rout of Brinje Grosuplje, and two draws against Thun in what appeared to be European qualifying fixtures. The draws against Thun, a side rated well above 400 in the world rankings, are not a concern. Dinamo controlled those matches and scored in both legs. Their overall 2026 record of 22 wins from 32 games makes them one of the more consistent sides in the region.
Their most recent outing ended 2-2 against Thun, a second leg that followed a 1-1 draw in the first. Moris Oršić was active on the left, Beljo led the line, and Zajc operated as the driving force through midfield. Defensively, Scott McKenna and Sergi Dominguez have been reliable in the back line, with both logging full minutes across the last two matches.
Slaven Belupo’s recent run has been inconsistent, to be honest. They beat Sesvete 4-0 in their most recent match, which is a positive result on paper, but that came against a low-ranked opponent. Before that, they drew 2-2 with Shakhtar Donetsk, lost 3-5 to Paksi, lost 3-1 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and lost 1-0 to Debrecen. Three defeats in four games heading into the season opener is not an encouraging picture.
Coach Mario Gregurina will likely set up in a 4-4-2, looking to stay compact and hit on the counter. The problem is that Dinamo’s pressing intensity tends to suffocate teams that sit back, and Slaven Belupo don’t have the individual quality to sustain defensive pressure for ninety minutes at Maksimir.
🚨Check out our dedicated Dinamo Zagreb vs Slaven Belupo stats page for more info.
Pre-game Odds and Win Probability: Dinamo Zagreb the Favourite
- Moneyline Dinamo Zagreb 1.18 | Slaven Belupo 9.00
- Draw 6.00
The 1.18 on Dinamo is short, but it reflects reality. Bookmakers give them a 76% win probability on average, and the head-to-head record combined with Slaven Belupo’s poor recent form justifies that pricing. The 9.00 on Slaven Belupo is attractive on paper, but to be honest, backing them to win here requires ignoring too much evidence. The draw at 6.00 is the only alternative worth a glance, given Slaven’s ability to frustrate sides on rare occasions, but Dinamo at home in a season opener is not the spot to back a stalemate.
Possible Starting Lineups
Dinamo Zagreb Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Ivan Filipović
- DF: Scott McKenna, Sergi Dominguez, Moris Valincic, Bruno Goda
- MF: Josip Mišić, Miha Zajc, Gabriel Vidović, Mislav Oršić
- MF: Lukas Kacavenda
- FW: Dion Drena Beljo
Dinamo look set to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, which has been their go-to shape across recent matches. Ivan Filipović gets the nod in goal based on his playing time data. McKenna and Dominguez anchor the central defence. Miha Zajc is the standout name in midfield, having registered a goal and nine shots across the last two matches. Beljo leads the line and will be the focal point of the attack. Fran Topic and Mateo Lisica offer options from the bench if Kovacevic wants to inject pace or change the shape late on.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Slaven Belupo. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
We predict a comfortable Dinamo Zagreb win to open the 2026/27 1. HNL season. The data across every category points in one direction. Dinamo have scored 25 goals in their last eight meetings with Slaven Belupo, winning six of those fixtures. Their attacking output this year has been relentless, and they are playing at home against a side that has lost four of their last seven matches.
Slaven Belupo’s 4-0 win over Sesvete last time out might give them a short confidence boost, but Sesvete are a much lower-quality opponent. Facing Dinamo at Maksimir on opening night is an entirely different proposition. We back Dinamo to win by at least two goals, with over 2.5 total goals in the match as the primary betting angle. Dinamo scoring in both halves is the hot tip for those looking at a slightly higher-odds option with solid backing from the stats.
