The Opus Arena in Osijek sets the stage for a tense relegation dogfight this Sunday, as Croatia welcome the Czech Republic in their final UEFA Nations League Group 3 fixture. This clash is all about survival, with both nations desperate to preserve their top-tier status after underwhelming campaigns.
Croatia’s current international window has been overshadowed by a mounting injury crisis under head coach Slaven Bilic.
The hosts currently sit third in the group with three points and are guaranteed to finish no higher, meaning their sole focus is avoiding automatic relegation to League B.
There was notable improvement in the recent clash with England, as Croatia at least looked competitive for the better part of the match. But Bilic will have to navigate this crucial match without some key figures.
Veteran Andrej Kramaric will not take part, while defender Josip Sutalo and midfielder Kristijan Jakic have been sidelined with injuries.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, find themselves at rock bottom with zero points, and their fate is practically sealed following a 2-0 midweek defeat to Spain.
The visitors have struggled immensely at both ends of the pitch and will travel also travel to Osijek with a heavily depleted squad.
Ladislav Krejci picked up a red card against Spain, while Pavel Sulc, Adam Karabec, and Ondrej Lingr are all unavailable due to a variety of injuries.
How the bookies view it: Repre are going to League B
The odds are a fair reflection of the current state of the two teams. While both sides have had similar struggles, Croatia have the experience and squad depth to be comfortable favourites at home at 1/2.
Meanwhile, you can back the Czech Republic at around 11/2, while a draw is priced at 33/10.
Recent head-to-head: Croatia scored five last year
Croatia have historically enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, and recent evidence suggests the gap remains significant.
The two nations met earlier in this Nations League cycle back in September, with Croatia securing a 2-1 victory in Prague through goals from Modric and Pasalic.
More notably, the teams met in the World Cup qualifiers last year, with Croatia winning 5-1 at this very stadium.
Players to watch: Age is just a number for Modric
The enduring class of Luka Modric continues to dictate the tempo in Croatia’s midfield, despite his considerable age.
The 41-year-old veteran found the back of the net in the reverse fixture against the Czech Republic in September, and I believe backing Over 0.5 shots on target should be considered at 17/20.
It carries a risk, since he did not have shots on target in the last three matches with England and Spain, but considering that it is expected for Croatia to dominate possession on Sunday, there’s a much higher chance for success this time.
Probable line-ups
Croatia: Livakovic, Smolcic, Stanisic, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Modric, Perisic, Baturina, Sucic, Matanovic
Czech Republic: Kinsky, Jurasek, Chaloupek, Zima, Coufal, Sadilek, Soucek, Provod, Hlozek, Ambros, Naderi
Anything else catch the eye?
While both sides are basically limping towards the finish line, Croatia’s squad remains mostly intact, while the Czech Republic will be missing the core of their midfield and their most aggressive CB.
Croatia will have the home advantage and the confidence that they have never lost to the visitors on the football pitch.
We also shouldn’t forget that the hosts hadn’t lost a competitive international fixture at home between November 2023 and October 2026. That’s enough for me to back them in this last showdown.
Croatia vs Czech Republic Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
- France vs Turkey Prediction and Betting Tips – 15/11/2026
- Spain vs England Prediction and Betting Tips – 15/11/2026
- Portugal vs Denmark Prediction and Betting Tips – 14/11/2026
- Northern Ireland vs Ukraine Prediction and Betting Tips – 14/11/2026
- Serbia vs Germany Prediction and Betting Tips – 13/11/2026
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