- 1 FC Thun vs Dinamo Zagreb : an unfamiliar clash to kick off the European campaign
- 2 Thun aim to keep their remarkable rise going
- 3 Dinamo Zagreb return to familiar ground
- 4 Expected line-ups:
- 5 Champions League prediction : FC Thun vs Dinamo Zagreb
- 6 Before anything else, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes fast
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the visuals
FC Thun vs Dinamo Zagreb : an unfamiliar clash to kick off the European campaign 
The second qualifying round of the Champions League throws up a meeting between two domestic champions with very different stories. FC Thun, back among the big boys in Switzerland after a stunning rise, are about to find out what life is like on European football’s biggest stage. Across the pitch, Dinamo Zagreb are in familiar territory and will be eyeing another step towards the league phase.
This first leg in Switzerland could set the tone for the whole tie. The Croatians bring more experience and more certainty, but Thun will be banking on home backing to make life awkward for the favourite.
Thun aim to keep their remarkable rise going 
Few would have seen this coming a few seasons ago. Saved from serious financial trouble, Thun climbed back into the Super League and then went and shocked everybody by winning the title straight after promotion. This Champions League spot is the reward for a climb that has been as rapid as it has been unexpected.
Pre-season, though, has raised a few eyebrows. Results have been patchy and several key men have moved on over the summer, forcing the staff to reshape part of the squad. Even so, Thun still like to get forward and they will try to make the most of every chance in front of their own fans.
With Dursun, Labeau and Maier up front, the Swiss have enough quality to ask questions of the Croatian defence. The aim will be to keep the tie alive ahead of the trip to Zagreb.
Dinamo Zagreb return to familiar ground 
Dinamo are back on top in Croatia and did it in style, running away with the title. Best attack, best defence, and a healthy lead in the table: Zagreb have reminded everyone why they remain the benchmark in Croatian football. Their Europa League run also showed they can handle decent opposition without flinching.
Their summer has been handled well. There have been a few departures, but the core remains strong and the friendlies have shown a side already looking sharp, still unbeaten ahead of this trip to Switzerland. Mario Kovacevic has an experienced group, one that knows its way around European nights.
Dion Drena Beljo will be the main threat after a superb season by the numbers. With Orsic, Vidovic and Bakrar feeding him, the Croatian striker should have every chance to punish a Swiss defence that is still getting up to speed.
Expected line-ups:
FC Thun: Steffen ; Heule, Burki, Bamert, Fehr ; Reichmuth, Roth, Kait ; Labeau, Dursun, Maier.
Dinamo Zagreb: Filipovic ; Valincic, Dominguez, Galesic, Goda ; Misic, Zajc ; Bakrar, Vidovic, Orsic ; Beljo.
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Champions League prediction : FC Thun vs Dinamo Zagreb
Both teams to score
Dinamo Zagreb start as favourites thanks to their European experience and the quality in their squad. The Croatians have the firepower to find a way through against a Thun side that is still working things out after plenty of summer changes.
That said, the Swiss did not win the title by sitting back and hoping for the best. At home, they should take an ambitious approach as they try to build an advantage before the return leg. Their front three have enough quality to trouble a Croatian defence playing its first competitive match of the season.
With both sides set up to attack and the first leg likely to be open, a score draw or a goal each looks the most convincing outcome.
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