Croatia host Slovakia at Gradski vrt in a 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture as they look to stay at the top of Group H. The Croats are in good form and are backed to pick up the points at home.
Croatia were in rampant mood in their previous fixture as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Cyprus. Ivan Perisic put them in front before Josko Gvardiol and Luka Modric added further goals.
Zlatko Dalic’s men are setting the pace in the group, although they are only above second place Russia on goal difference. The Croats have only lost once in the qualifiers and head into Monday’s clash off the back of three straight wins.
Croatia also appear to have tightened up at the back since their poor showing at the Euros and have kept clean sheets in their last four qualifying matches.
Slovakia are coming off a defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by Russia last time out in the qualifiers. They fell behind early in the encounter after Milan Skriniar put through his own net and failed to find a way back into the contest despite dominating the possession and creating several chances.
The Slovaks are fourth in Group H, seven points behind Croatia after claiming just two wins from their seven matches. Their form has not improved much since the poor showing at the Euros and they travel to Gradski vrt with four defeats in their last six matches across all competitions.
Stefan Tarkovic’s men often find things difficult on their travels and have failed to win any of their away matches in the qualifiers. They have also struggled in front of goal on the road, failing to score in two of their last three away matches.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Croatia as overwhelming favourites at 1/2 with Skybet while a victory for Slovakia is valued at 36/5 with SBK. Unibet is offering odds of 18/5 for a draw.
Head to head
Croatia have a 5-2 advantage with two draws from nine previous matches against Slovakia. The Croats have won the last three meetings and claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Croatia captain Luka Modric was on target on his return from injury and could be backed to score anytime at 11/4 with bet365. Winger Ivan Perisic carries a goal threat for the Croats and is priced at 13/8 by bet365 to find the net on Monday.
The likes of Josko Gvardiol, Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida could also be worth keeping an eye on at the back for Croatia. The hosts have kept clean sheets in their last four matches and bet365 is offering 10/11 for that run to continue.
Anything else catch the eye?
Croatia have won to nil in their last three matches and could be set for a repeat at 5/4 with BetVictor. The Croats could also be picked as the only team to score at 6/5 with bet365.
Having claimed 3-0 victories in their last two qualifying matches, Croatia could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 13/10 with Betfred.
This World Cup match between Croatia and Slovakia will be played on Oct 11, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Croatia vs Slovakia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
