Fans Choose Dinamo's Lineup for Žalgiris
Coach Mario Kovačević, ahead of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, revealed he has dilemmas in several positions, and Index readers have decided in a poll who should start at Maksimir.
Coach Mario Kovačević, ahead of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, revealed he has dilemmas in several positions, and Index readers have decided in a poll who should start at Maksimir.
Dinamo's footballers will host Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, at 8:00 PM at Maksimir in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. The return match is scheduled a week later, on August 12, in Lithuania, starting at 7:00 PM. Ahead of this important clash, coach Mario Kovačević confirmed at a press conference that the squad is mostly ready, but there are certain dilemmas regarding the starting lineup.
"Zajc had minor issues, but he has trained and I believe everyone will be available. We need to improve from game to game, and I trust we'll be even better on Tuesday. We are aware of the importance of the match and I believe we will play well," Kovačević stated at Maksimir.
The strategist of the Blues emphasized his satisfaction with the squad depth and the fact that he can count on all players. "In these two matches, we gave minutes to everyone, and it turned out I can rely on all of them. We look at who is in the best form and that's how we'll build the team. I have quality players and covered positions. We'll see who is the best option on the wings, and I believe we'll choose well. As for the center-backs, I'm very satisfied with that competition, as well as in every other position. We've had two different center-back pairings; we'll combine strengths and everyone will play," he added.
Index readers have chosen in a poll the players they believe should start the match. In goal, there are no surprises - Ivan Filipović is the standard solution this season. The right-back spot will go to Moris Valinčić. The biggest dilemma in defense has been resolved in favor of Niko Galešić, who, according to fan votes, will play alongside Scott McKenna, although Sergi Dominguez and Stjepan Radeljić are also in contention.
At left-back, a change from the European matches has been voted in. Matteo Perez Vinlof has been given the nod over Bruno Goda, who started in Europe but didn't fully convince. Perez Vinlof, with his appearance against Thun and the full match against Slaven Belupo, brought new energy and penetration.
In midfield, the expected trio consists of Josip Mišić, Miha Zajc, and Luka Stojković. Should Zajc not be ready, Gabriel Vidović or Lukas Kačavenda will step in. Up front, the spot is reserved for Diona Drena Belja.
The biggest uncertainties are on the wings. On the right side, fans have given the edge to Fran Topić, who came off the bench and was among the most responsible for Dinamo's goals, over Mateo Lisica, who started in Europe. On the left wing, Kovačević faces the biggest dilemma. Although Mislav Oršić started in both European matches, he is still not at his recognizable level. The poll has decided in favor of Arber Hoxha, who replaced Oršić in Europe and started against Slaven.
