Croatia and France face off in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie at the Stadion Poljud on Thursday night.
Zlatko Dalic’s side were solid rather than spectacular during the group phase, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their six pool fixtures.
However, that return was enough to ensure they placed second in Group A1, though they did finish six points behind section winners Portugal.
Croatia’s reward for finishing as runner-up is a knockout tie with former Nations League champions France.
After crashing to 3-1 defeat at home to Italy in their Group A2 opener, Les Bleus bounced back with four wins from their subsequent five fixtures to take top honours in the section.
As such, Didier Deschamps’ star-studded side are among the bookmakers’ favourites to win the trophy later this year.
How the bookies view it: French fancied for first leg
Boylesports make France even-money (1/1) favourites to draw first blood in Split on Thursday night and that price looks worthy of support given that Deschamps’ side won away at both Belgium and Italy during the league phase.
Croatia – who won two of their three home games during the group stage – are 12/5 outsiders on Boylesports, while an all square first leg can be backed at 9/4 with the same firm.
Head to head: France tend to flex their muscles
The two teams have previously crossed paths on nine occasions, with France triumphing in six of those contests. However, it is worth noting that Croatia have avoided defeat in each of their last two meetings with Les Blues, including a 1-1 draw at this venue back in 2022.
Players to watch: Mbappe to make his mark?
Kylian Mbappe has hit top gear for Real Madrid in recent months, most recently bagging a brace in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal. Thus, the French superstar stands out for a goal or an assist on Thursday night at 21/20 on UniBet.
Croatia will look to captain and former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric for inspiration on Thursday night. The experienced midfielder is as big as 15/2 (Boylesports) to find the back of the net against France.
Predicted line-ups
Croatia boss Dalic will be unable to call upon the services of injured midfield duo Igor Matanovic and Luka Sucic for this week’s first leg showdown.
After serving a one-game suspension, Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be restored to the France starting XI on Thursday night.
Croatia: Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic; Perisic P Sucic, Baturina; Kramaric
France: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the plethora of attacking talent at their disposal, France look well placed to score a minimum of two goals on Thursday night at even-money (1/1) on Boylesports.
Les Bleus struck twice or more in four of their final five group phase games, including each of their three matches away from home.
That doesn’t bode well for a Croatia team with just one clean sheet to their name across their last six Nations League outings.
This English National League match between Croatia and France will be played on and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Croatia vs France prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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