France and Croatia reconvene for the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie at the Stade de France on Sunday night.
The Croatians impressively drew first blood on Thursday night by claiming a stunning 2-0 success in Split.
In fact, Zlatko Dalic’s side will consider themselves unlucky not to be further ahead after missing an early penalty before netting two first-half goals.
As such, the Baltic nation have put themselves in the box seat to set up a semi-final showdown with either the Netherlands or Spain.
France, on the other hand, have left themselves with an uphill task in their quest for what would be a second Nations League crown.
That being said, Didier Deschamps’ star-studded side won’t be fazed by the task in hand, especially with a raucous Stade de France crowd behind them on Sunday night.
How the bookies view it: France firm favourites
Despite crashing to a 2-0 defeat on Thursday night, France are firm 2/5 favourites on Boylesports for the win on Sunday night. Coupling up a home success alongside under 4.5 goals will bolster the odds to a more enticing 4/5 shot via the Boylesports Bet Builder tool.
A draw would be enough to stamp Croatia’s semi-final ticket and that outcome can be backed at 16/5 with Boylesports, while the same firm are offering a lofty 11/2 about an away win.
Head to head: France finding Croatia a tough nut to crack
After falling to a 2-0 defeat on Thursday night, France are now without a win in each of their last three meetings against Croatia. The Chequered Ones emerged victorious from this venue with a 1-0 win during the last edition of the Nations League and a repeat this weekend pays a whopping 16/1 on Boylesports.
Players to watch: Mbappe to make his mark?
France will look to Kylian Mbappe for inspiration on Sunday night. The Les Bleus skipper is an eye-catching 21/20 anytime goalscorer option on Boylesports.
Ivan Perisic scored one goal and set up another during Thursday night’s first leg in Split. The veteran Croatian winger is as big as 7/1 on Boylesports to strike on Sunday night.
Predicted line-ups
Ibrahima Konate had to come off at half-time on Thursday night after sustaining an injury, so Dayot Upamecano should get the nod from the off on Sunday night.
Croatia boss Dalic will once again be without injured midfield duo Igor Matanovic and Luka Sucic for Sunday’s second leg showdown at the Stade de France.
France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Croatia: Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic; Perisic P Sucic, Baturina; Kramaric,
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the dynamics of the tie heading into Sunday’ second leg, Dominik Livakovic looks worthy of interest to be carded at 15/2 on Bet 365.
The Croatia goalkeeper will likely look to run down the clock at any given opportunity and it may not go unnoticed by the referee.
Thus, the Croatian stopper makes for appealing long shot material at the Stade de France on Sunday night.
This UEFA Nations League match between France and Croatia will be played on and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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