Wales will be hoping to take a significant step towards Euro 2020 qualification when they travel to Osijek to take on Croatia on Saturday.
The Dragons are joint top of Group E after winning their opening match at home to Slovakia, and have a game in hand on the three other teams currently on three points.
Latest odds
However, having lost three of their last four away fixtures, they are 5/1 (6.00) outsiders with bet365 to pull off a big win here.
Indeed, Zlatko Dalic’s men have won three and lost none of the four previous encounters between the sides, and are 4/7 (1.57) favourites to come out on top at the Stadion Gradski vrt.
Just two of the guests’ last 17 matches have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on them holding out for a stalemate in this one.
Team news
Ivan Rakitic, Marko Rog, Filip Bradaric, Nikola Vlasic, and Ante Rebic have all withdrawn due to injury, while Dejan Lovren and Mateo Kovacic will both join the squad late following their respective parts in the Champions League and Europa League finals.
Ben Davies has made a surprise return to the squad after postponing his planned hernia operation, although Aaron Ramsey is absent through injury from a squad that features four uncapped players.
Preview
Despite the significant absences of Rakitic and Rebic in midfield and attack, the Vatreni’s biggest problem remains a defence that has kept just one clean sheet in 13 fixtures – conceding against Azerbaijan, Jordan and Hungary within the last five.
This should provide plenty of encouragement for a Welsh attack whose star man Gareth Bale is now ably supported by an exciting young pair in David Brooks and Daniel James, who have both enjoyed excellent club campaigns.
Predictions
All in all, odds of 6/5 (2.20) seem like excellent value on Ryan Giggs’ team helping to ensure goals at both ends for Croatia’s 12th game in 14.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
Both teams to score for a 1pt stake at 6/5 (2.20) with bet365
Be the first to comment