Croatia are set to strengthen their lead at the summit of Group H as they travel to AEK Arena for a World Cup qualifying fixture against Cyprus. The Cypriots are the whipping boys of the group and should be no match for the superior quality of the hosts.
Cyprus travel to Croatia off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Slovakia last time out in the qualifiers. They were no match for the Slovaks and finished without a single attempt on target throughout the encounter.
The Cypriots have struggled in Group H and sit bottom of the group having claimed just one win from six qualifying matches. Nikos Kostenoglou's men have also lost their last five matches across all competitions.
A major problem for Cyprus has been a lack of fire power in attack as they have failed to score in their last five matches across all competitions.
Croatia claimed a 3-0 victory over Slovenia in their previous fixture in the qualifiers. They took a one goal lead into the break through Marko Livaja while second half efforts from Mario Pasalic and Nikola Vlasic earned them the comfortable win.
Zlatko Dalic’s men have moved on from their poor showing at the Euros where they claimed one win from four matches. They have won their last two matches in the qualifiers and are currently on top of the group with 13 points.
Croatia's form in the qualifiers has been driven by a solid backline that has kept clean sheets in their last five matches.
How the bookies view it
Croatia have been installed as overwhelming favourites for the win at 1/3 with Betfred. SBK is offering 14/1 for an unlikely victory for Cyprus while a draw is set at odds of 4/1 by betway.
Head to head
Croatia have won their two previous matches against Cyprus and triumphed 1-0 in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Ivan Perisic often provides the attacking spark for Croatia and is priced at 9/5 by Paddy Power to get on the score sheet. Mario Pasalic also carries a goal threat from midfield and could be worth a punt in the same market at 11/2 with betfair.
Croatia's backline has also caught the attention in recent times with Domagoj and Dejan Lovren often partnering in central defence. They have kept clean sheets in their last five qualifying matches and could be set for a repeat at 8/15 with betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Croatia have won to nil in their last two matches and that run can be tipped to continue at 4/5 with BetVictor. The Croats are expected to claim a comfortable victory and could be backed in the -2 handicap market at 13/5 with Paddy Power.
Given Cyprus' struggles in the qualifiers, Croatia are likely to win both halves at 9/4 with Sport Nation.
This World Cup match between Cyprus and Croatia will be played on Oct 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Cyprus vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
