Croatia vs Portugal Prediction - Nations League

Both teams have shown a mix of resilience and attacking prowess. Croatia comes into this game unbeaten in their last three matches, asserting their position as true contenders for a playoff spot. Their recent 1-2 loss to Portugal makes this a highly anticipated encounter. Luka Modric, their top scorer, is expected to lead from the front.

Portugal, despite being the league leaders, has faced some challenges with injuries to key players like Diogo Jota and Ruben Dias. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo in good form and gunning for his 1,000th career goal, the visitors remain the favourites, backed by their consistent performances.

The weather is expected to be cold with overcast clouds, which could influence the pace of the game.

The odds favour Portugal, but betting on Croatia not to lose offers excellent value. The recommended bet is Croatia +0.25 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.85.

Croatia vs Portugal Prediction & Betting Tip

The recommended bet for this match is Croatia +0.25 Asian Handicap. This betting tip has been chosen based on the current form and key factors influencing the game.

Why this Betting Tip is Good:

• Home Advantage: Croatia will be boosted by playing at home, which could tilt the balance in their favour.
• Portugal’s Away Form: Portugal has had some weaker away performances recently, making Croatia’s chances of not losing more probable.
• Player Injuries: Portugal is dealing with several key injuries, which might impact their overall performance. This analysis shows how the conditions and current form make the recommended bet good value.

Croatia vs Portugal Odds

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds for this exciting UEFA Nations League A clash between Croatia and Portugal. Here’s how the bookmakers see it:

Croatia Team Analysis

Croatia has been in solid form lately, enjoying an unbeaten streak in their last three matches. They’ve bagged crucial points and have shown resilience on the pitch. Their average goals scored across the last five games stand at 1.60, and they’ve managed one clean sheet in that span. Despite this, their defense has been somewhat porous, conceding in four out of their last five games. Here’s a detailed look at Croatia’s recent results:

Croatia Key Players

Luka Modric is paramount for Croatia, not only as a top scorer but also as an orchestrator in midfield. With only one goal, Modric’s real impact lies in his leadership and playmaking abilities.

The defensive trio of Josip Sutalo, Martin Erlic—injury notwithstanding—and Josko Gvardiol will have to be at their resolute best against Portugal’s potent attack.

Expect to see Andrej Kramaric and Petar Sucic in midfield roles, where their recent performances have drawn interest from top European clubs.

Croatia’s expected lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
• Defenders: Josip Sutalo, Ivan Perisic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa
• Midfielders: Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina
• Forwards: Igor Matanovic

Key battles include Modric vs. Bruno Fernandes and Gvardiol vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Croatia Suspensions & Injuries

Croatia is currently dealing with a few injury concerns that could impact their performance in the upcoming match against Portugal. Here’s a comprehensive look at the current injury situation:

Croatia Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-3-3 (Expected based on recent matches) Croatia Tactical Breakdown:
• Key Forward: Igor Matanović
• Midfield Trio: Luka Modrić, Andrej Kramarić, Petar Sučić
• Defensive Line: Josip Šutalo, Ivan Perišić, Borna Sosa, Joško Gvardiol

Croatia’s recent tactics exhibit a b midfield presence, with veteran Luka Modrić orchestrating plays and contributing both defensively and offensively. Their balanced approach uses overlapping defenders like Ivan Perišić and Borna Sosa to support attacking runs. In light of injuries to key defenders like Martin Erlić, Croatia may lean on their midfield’s dynamism to cover defensive gaps. Expect Croatia to leverage their home advantage and aim for effective counter-attacks, capitalizing on Portugal’s weaker away form.

Portugal Team Analysis

Portugal have had a solid run in their last five matches, showing a mix of consistency and resilience. Their form of three wins, one draw, and one loss reflects a team that can grind out results even when not at their best. Recent matches:

• Scotland 0-0 Portugal (2024-10-15)
• Poland 1-3 Portugal (2024-10-12)
• Portugal 2-1 Scotland (2024-09-08)
• Portugal 2-1 Croatia (2024-09-05)
• Portugal 0-0 France (3-5 Penalties) (2024-07-05)

Portugal have managed only one clean sheet in their last five games, while their average goals scored sits at a solid 2.0 per match. Notably, their away performance has been decent but not without its challenges.

Portugal Key Players

• Top Scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo: The legendary forward continues to be a crucial asset with 3 goals in the competition.
• Creative Force: Bruno Fernandes, commanding the midfield and creating opportunities.

Portugal Suspensions & Injuries

Portugal face several injury concerns affecting key players:

• Gonçalo Ramos: (Ankle injury, potential return late November 2024)
• William Carvalho: (Achilles tendon injury, mid-December 2024 return)
• Tiago Santos: (Cruciate ligament injury, out for season)
• Diogo Jota: (Rib injury, early December 2024 return)
• Rúben Dias: (Knock injury, late November 2024 return)
• Rúben Neves: (Muscle injury, early December 2024 return)
• Pedro Goncalves Pote: (Muscle injury, late November 2024 return)

Portugal Key Players

Portugal’s standout performer is undoubtedly Cristiano Ronaldo, leading the scoring charts with 3 goals in the competition. Set to be a pivotal player, Ronaldo’s experience and finishing will be crucial.

Another key player is Bruno Fernandes, who orchestrates the midfield with creativity and vision, essential for Portugal’s attacking plays. His ability to link up with Ronaldo and forwards like Diogo Jota (despite his injury concerns) will be vital.

Expected lineup for Portugal:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Antonio Silva, Ruben Dias (if fit), Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Vitinha
• Attackers: Chico Conceicao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota (if fit)

Individual battles to watch include Ronaldo against Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol and Fernandes facing Croatia’s Luka Modric in midfield.

Portugal Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries and suspensions can play a significant role in shaping the outcome of a match. For Portugal, here are the key absences:

Portugal Tactics and Formation

Portugal’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
• Midfield Trio: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Vitinha
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.

Portugal predominantly sticks to a 4-3-3 formation, providing a balanced approach between attack and defense. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the linchpin upfront, leveraging his experience and goal-scoring prowess.

In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, and Vitinha form a dynamic trio capable of both orchestrating play and breaking up opposition moves. Given their recent performance, where they averaged two goals per game, their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack is crucial.

Though their defense has not been impregnable, with only one clean sheet in five games, Portugal’s approach relies heavily on maintaining possession and exploiting gaps in the opponent’s defense.

Croatia vs Portugal Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five encounters, Portugal has had the upper hand over Croatia.