Group E of the 2022 Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 6, as Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb host Chelsea at Maksimir Stadium. The rest of the group is rounded out by Serie A champions AC Milan and Bundesliga side RB Salzburg.
The match will mark the first-ever European meeting between Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea. This year will mark the eighth time the Croatian side has reached the UEFA Champions League, while Chelsea will join the competition for the 19th time.
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Will Chelsea dominate the opening match in Group E? Or will the Croatian champions shock the world? Let’s look at the betting odds for this Champions League matchup between Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea.
Matthew Williams' 2022-23 UCL Betting Record: 0-0, 0 units
Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea Odds
- 3-way handicap: Dinamo Zagreb (+575) | Draw (+350) | Chelsea (-225)
- Draw No Bet: Dinamo Zagreb (+400) |Chelsea (-650)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 ( -145) | Under 1.5 (+105)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (-115)| No (-120)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea odds are current as of Friday, Sept. 2, on BetMGM Sportsbook.
Sportsbooks have Chelsea listed as a sizable road favorite in their match with Dinamo Zagreb, with a solid lean toward Over 2.5 goals.
It would be a massive upset if the Croatian champions were able to secure points during this matchup.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Dinamo Zagreb has an uphill climb to qualify
During the eight seasons in which Dinamo have reached the Champions League, they have managed to win just five matches out of a possible 42.
In fact, among clubs who have played in at least 30 UCL matches, only Liga 1 side FCSB and AEK Athens have a worse winning percentage.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has won 10 of their last 11 away matches in the Champions League while securing victory in 16 of their previous 18 opening matches.
Chelsea will dominate the battle for possession
Despite their troubles to start the Premier League season, Chelsea has continued to uphold their reputation as a possession hog. The Blues currently rank as the 12th team in Europe in time of possession at 60%, which is third in the EPL.
Look for the London club to control the tempo of the game, which should be more than enough to wear down their Croatian opponents.
Newly acquired defensive weapons Wesley Fofana and Denis Zakaria should be available for selection and will go a long way in improving the on-field dynamic for Chelsea.
Watch out for Mislav Oršić
Dinamo Zagreb may not be adequately equipped to handle Chelsea, but if they are going to make some noise, it will likely come from their all-time leading scorer, Mislav Oršić.
The Croatian scored four goals in his only season in the Champions League back in 2019-20.
Among the “Big 5” leagues of Men’s European football, Oršić ranks in the 88th percentile in non-penalty goals and 75th percentile in assists.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 Chelsea
Chelsea should be able to outclass Dinamo Zagreb, even on the road. A significant advantage in time of possession by the London club should severely limit the number of chances the Croatian side has to attack, which will likely end in a clean sheet for the men from Stamford Bridge.
Look for Raheem Sterling to shine while Chelsea cruises to an easy victory.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea Best Bets
➕ Multiple Correct Score: Chelsea Wins 0:1, 0:2, 0:3 (+190) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
As mentioned above, Chelsea is likely to earn a clean sheet due to their dominance in possession. Therefore, it makes sense to take advantage of that possibility by placing an exact score wager to enhance our payout potential.
Back Chelsea to win to nil in a Multiple Correct Score bet.
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