France vs Croatia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
Scott Thornton brings you his France vs Croatia prediction preview ahead of the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final.
France have it all to do after losing the first leg 2-0. Didier Deschamps has the necessary firepower to turn this around at his disposal but they need a fast start.
Croatia were 1-0 victors last time they played Les Bleus on French soil. They will be under the cosh for much of this game but Zlatko Dalic knows his team are in the driving seat.
France vs Croatia Prediction: Goals Galore as Les Bleus Attempt a Comeback
Europe, Nations League, Sunday, March 23rd, 19:45 (UK)
France are one of the most talented international teams in football. They have made it to the last two World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018, and the conveyor belt of talent is showing no signs of slowing down. Les Bleus also won the Nations League in 2021 but they need to mount a comeback if they are to repeat that feat.
With Didier Deschamps’ side needing to come out and attack, this second-leg clash with Croatia looks primed for goals. France had 16 shots, twice as many as their opponents, in the first leg but were unable to get on the scoresheet. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani are unlikely to be as wasteful this time around.
Les Bleus’ last 10 home matches have seen an average of 3.7 goals per game. Even without the 14-0 win over Gibraltar, that number remains high with an average of 2.56 goals. That’s just above the goal line set by the bookmakers here but France need to commit bodies forward early on in order to turn the tie around. This should inflate the goal count.
Croatia have struggled in recent away matches. They have failed to win any of their three matches on the road since the European Championships. Dalic’s side were beaten 2-1 in Portugal, 1-0 in Scotland and managed a 3-3 draw away to Poland. France need to take advantage of Croatia’s defensive frailties on the road so over 2.5 goals looks a good bet here.
Dalic’s men showed they can hurt France on the counter in the reverse fixture. They created two big chances despite having just 38% of the ball. Ivan Perisic was a thorn in the side of the French defence and was able to get his team further up the pitch. He could prove to be hugely effective as the visitors aim to exploit the space behind Deschamps’ high defensive line.
Both teams have the quality to get on the scoresheet but we are backing over 2.5 goals as opposed to both teams to score in this match. France need at least two goals in order to remain in the competition so this line looks a little low.
- France vs Croatia Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.72
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
France vs Croatia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:45, March 21st, 2025. Odds may now differ.
France vs Croatia Team News: An Attacking Shake-Up for Deschamps
France named a strong team in the first leg but Didier Deschamps may want to make some changes after his side fell short. Kylian Mbappe looked lively but Randal Kolo Muani failed to make a meaningful contribution. Marcus Thuram pulled out of the squad so Les Bleus could use a different shape here. Bradley Barcola is having a fruitful season at PSG and could be a difference-maker here.
Luka Modric remains a key player for Croatia and Real Madrid. The legendary midfielder won’t see as much of the ball as he is accustomed to here but he can alleviate the pressure on his team when he does have it. Mateo Kovacic will also be vital in front of Dalic’s defence.
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Dembele; Olise, Barcola, Mbappe
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modricm Kovacic, Baturina; Perisic, Kramaric, Budimir
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