Feyenoord can take a big step towards the Europa League knockout rounds when they host Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday. Kick-off in Rotterdam is at 5.55pm.

Feyenoord battled for a respectable draw away to CSKA Moscow last week after Nicolai Jorgensen’s red card. The point means that Feyenoord currently sits second in the group and three points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb.

In the reverse fixture, Feyenoord dominated but a red card hampered them and the game ended in a 0-0 in Croatia. If they can win in Rotterdam then they will be within touching distance of the knockout rounds with a game away to Wolfsberger to come.

Feyenoord drew 1-1 with Utrecht at the weekend, which means they remain unbeaten in the league this season. However, this will be the first game since Dick Advocaat confirmed that he will depart the club at the end of the season.

Dinamo Zagreb, who are a point away from confirming their place in the next round, didn’t play at the weekend and their last game was the 2-0 win over Wolfsberger last week.

Team News

Feyenoord will be without the suspended Nicolai Jorgensen and Bart Nieuwkoop, while Justin Bijlow, Christian Conteh, Ridgeciano Haps, Sven van Beek, Leroy Fer, Robert Bozenik and Luis Sinisterra are all injured.

Orkun Kokcu will return to the line-up after being suspended against Utrecht at the weekend. Tyrell Malacia could return at left-back.

Possible Feyenoord line-up: Marsman, Geertruida, Malacia, Senesi, Spajic, Diemers, Kokcu, Toornstra, Teixeira, Linssen, Berghuis

Dinamo Zagreb have no fresh injury concerns for the clash against Feyenoord.

Possible Dinamo Zagreb line-up: Livakovic; Moharrami, Lauritsen, Peric, Gvardiol; Franjic, Ademi, Majer; Kastrati, Petkovic, Orsic

Odds

Feyenoord 6/5 Draw 5/2 Dinamo Zagreb 11/5

Can Feyenoord get the victory?

Feyenoord have been unlucky so far in the Europa League to be on the end of some poor refereeing decisions which have cost them points in the group.

However, Dick Advocaat’s side still have a great chance of qualifying for the next round, and a victory over Dinamo Zagreb would put them within touching distance.

Advocaat’s side is plagued by injuries and suspensions but they are still strong enough to see off the Croatian visitors. Steven Berghuis will be key, while Linssen will have to find his finishing touch in absence of a top centre forward.

A Feyenoord win coupled with CSKA Moscow drawing with Wolfsberger would be the ideal result for Dick Advocaat.




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