Croatia will be determined to retain the second spot in Group 1 of Nations League as they host the winless side Scotland. Both teams enter Stadion Maksimir on Saturday, 12 October. The Tartan Army have got the back of consecutive defeats in the competition ahead of the clash against Croatia. Let’s explore the favorable picks of this game with complete insights.
Croatia to win 16/25 (1.64)
Croatia found their first victory against Scotland in Euro 2021 following two successive defeats in World Cup Qualification in 2013. However, the Tartan Army has been struggling recently in Nations League and Euro 2024, losing four of the last five matches. On the other hand, Croatia have also won only against Poland recently in their last five matches, ending two in draws. But given the home advantage where they won the previous three overall games, Croatia should be able to take all three points in this game.
Over 2.5 Goals 49/50 (1.98)
Croatia have not secured a big total of goals recently as they rattled the net only once in each of the previous three games. However, Blazers will be confident against Scottish defense who has conceded at least twice in ten of their previous fourteen games. On the scoring end, Scotland have managed an average of one goal per game in the recent five fixtures. Furthermore, the last H2H meeting between these teams ended with a 3-1 victory for Croatia. Hence, we can expect this game to feature a total of Over 2.5 Goals.
Both teams to score: Yes 47/50 (1.94)
Despite getting through a winless streak, Scotland have rattled the net in five of their previous six games. Croatia have also netted the ball in the last four consecutive matches in Nations League and Euro 2024. But Blazers defense has not been promising, conceding goals in three during the same course. In the last four H2Hs, Croatia and Scotland have contributed to two BTTS outcomes. Based on the current scenario, we predict goals from both ends of the field again on this Saturday.
Team News
Croatia
The only goal from Luka Modric in the 57th minute against Poland helped Croatia seal a narrow 1-0 victory in the previous game. With the opening defeat of the Nations League and three points against Poland, Blazers are currently second in Group 1. Manager Zlatko Dalic will have a healthy squad for the upcoming fixture against Scotland.
Scotland
Scot McTominay gave Scotland the lead in just the seventh minute of the last game against Portugal. However, the second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo saw the Tartan Army leave the pitch without a point, throwing Scotland at the end of the table. Centre-back Scot McKenna will not be available against Croatia due to a hamstring injury.
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