The last two rounds of the UEFA Nations League matches are yet to be played with plenty of outcomes and possibilities still on the table. The Big Game Focus takes a look at the clash between Croatia and Spain with tips for your consideration.
Croatia and Spain will face each other in the UEFA Nations League as both sides seek a win here. The reverse fixture ended in a heavy 6-0 loss for Croatia and they need a win if they are to get anything out of this group.
The hosts are eager to pick up all three points from the clash, but that is easier said than done as their opponents aim to cement their position in the group. Croatia are bottom of Group 4 in League A and three points behind England, whom they meet in the final game of the group.
A lively contest is expected here and we believe that Real Madrid’s rising star Marco Asensio could be the man to watch. He was impressive in the 6-0 win over Zlatko Dalic’s troops in the reverse fixture and he could hurt them again.
Betting preview
Spain have not lost successive matches since Euro 2016, which involved a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, but they are favourites here and should bounce back from defeat to England last time out. An Away Win is placed at odds of 2.00 here.
Both teams have found the back of the net in three of Croatia’s last five outings and the same goes for Spain in four of their last five. There is value in backing Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.85 and you can do that by clicking on this link.
Spain have tended to be involved in high scoring marches with four of their last five outings in all competitions ending with Over 2.5 Goals scored. There is a good chance for this to happen again and you can back that at odds of 2.05.
Sime Vrsaljko, Lovre Kalinic, and Marcelo Brozovic all missed Croatia’s last set of internationals through injury but are available this time around and will all start. Andrej Kramaric and Mateo Kovacic are in contention to start for the home side, while Ante Rebic should get the nod in attack.
Spain are set to miss the services of Real Madrid duo Nacho and Daniel Carvajal who are unavailable. César Azpilicueta is expected to start at right-back as a result of Carvajal’s absence, while Iñigo Martínez, Diego Llorente and Hermoso are candidates to partner Sergio Ramos at the heart of defence.
Possible line ups
Croatia: Kalinic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Pivaric, Rakitic, Brozovic, Kramaric, Modric, Perisic, Rebic.
Spain: De Gea, Azpilicueta, Hermoso, Ramos, Alba, Saul, Busquets, Ceballos, Asensio, Morata, Isco.