Dinamo Zagreb vs Istra 1961 Prediction: “Alarm Sirens” are on at Maksimir

Four lost points in the first three spring rounds of the Croatian Football League, in duels with rivals in which Dinamo were undoubtedly the clear favorite, are definitely an unsatisfactory performance, especially when viewed through the prism of the play shown by the “blue” footballers in those matches. However, as long as the direct rival for the title of national champion loses even more points, everything is alright at Maksimir. But that can't last forever, after all, Dinamo never did that, they always focused on their quality and collected points diligently.

On Friday, Istra 1961 will come to Maksimir, having won seven points in the three previous rounds this year. And the team from Pula played all three games on their home turf, they "ran over" Hajduk (3:0), they also defeated Varazdin (2:1), only Slaven Belupo took a point from Pula at the spring start (0:0). Coach Gonzalo Garcia's team plays good football, comes to Zagreb full of confidence and will want to continue this beautiful streak without defeat in the first away game of the spring part.

Dinamo recorded only one win and two draws in the first three rounds of the second part of the championship, and let's be realistic, all nine points were expected. However, Gorica and Slaven Belupo did not think so. Two undecided results with opponents who are not qualitatively even close to the Blues were not expected, we classified them in the category of hiccups, but thanks to the desperate form of Hajduk, they managed to increase their advantage over Split’s team to eight points, and they still have a game to play. Josip Misic, who was absent against Slaven Belup in Koprivnica due to yellow cards, is coming back. We will see if Luka Ivanusec is ready. Bruno Petkovic already participated in Koprivnica, playing for about 30 minutes, and now we can expect more minutes. Dynamo with these players is much more concrete and dangerous.

Istra are playing above all expectations this season. Gonzalo Garcia arranged this team very well in terms of the playing staff and not only ensured that he stayed in the league, but he is fighting for the fourth place, which will most likely lead him to the Conference League next season. In the previous three games, Istra showed really enviable form, were very efficient, won seven points with a goal difference of 5:1. The work of their coach Gonzalo García has now come to the fore. He is a coach who cultivates the game, he insists on looking for a result through the game.

Istra comes completely relieved. It is difficult to say whether it is easier for them to play at home than away. I think it will be easier for them this time, they have nothing to lose. Every player is inspired to play against Dinamo, they have a good psychological preparation for that game because they have no imperative except the desire to present their qualities and capabilities, and they are not small. After all, this has been shown in previous matches, especially against Hajduk. However, Dinamo's leading position in the HNL standings is not at all threaten, in fact, thanks to Hajduk's defeats against Istra 1961 and Rijeka, the “Blues: escaped the “Master from the Sea” by one more point. Dinamo I can wait for this match with Gonzalo Garcia's boys calmly and stress-free. W|e can finally expect the true edition of Cacic's team. It's time for the “Blues” to play the way they should, it's time to make their loyal fans happy with a good game and a victory.