Poland host Croatia in a Group A1 fixture in the UEFA Nations League as they look to find some spark for their campaign. Things have been rough for the Poles and they are likely to find things difficult against Croatia, who are looking confident at the moment.
The task for Poland is to find their spark having picked up just one win from three Nations League matches. Their only win was a 3-2 victory in Scotland in their opening fixture and manager Michal Probierz will be keen to replicate that performance.
Poland will head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of two straight defeats in the Nations League. First they were beaten 1-0 by Croatia before falling 3-1 at home to Group leaders Portugal in their previous fixture.
While things appear rough for Poland, Croatia appear to be growing in confidence as the tournament progresses. After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in their opening fixture, Zlatko Dalic’s men have gone on to win their last two matches.
Croatia showed great character to come from behind and claim a 2-1 victory over Scotland in their previous fixture. Igor Matanovic struck the equaliser before the break while Andrej Kramaric netted the winner midway through the second half.
How the bookies view it: Croatia to prevail
Croatia have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Poland is valued at 12/5 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 23/10 for a draw.
Head to head: Croatia often superior
Croatia have a 4-1 advantage with one draw from five previous matches against Poland. The Croats claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in September with Luka Modric’s second half effort proving the difference.
Players to watch: Kramaric to star again
Kramaric has been one of the standout players for Croatia in recent times and was on target in the win over Scotland. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to find the net once again at 11/5 with Betfred.
As always Poland will be looking to Robert Lewandowski to provide the spark in attack. The striker will be keen to bring his Barcelona form to the national team and is priced at 6/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Tuesday.
Probable line-ups
Poland are expected to ring in the changes with Krzysztof Piatek likely to partner Lewandowski up front. Jakub Kiwior could earn a spot at the back after coming off the bench last time out.
Youngster Matanovic should lead the line once again for Croatia after scoring last time out. He could be joined in attack by Kramaric and Sucic while Modric should continue in midfield.
Poland: Skorupski, Kiwior, Bednarek, Walukiewicz, Zalewski, Zielinski, Moder, Szymanski, Frankowski, Piatek, Lewandowski
Croatia: Livakovic, Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Sosa, Sucic, Modric, Perisic, Sucic, Kramaric, Matanovic
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 3.5 goals in Poland’s previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 5/2 by Betfred. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at evens with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 4/5 on both teams to score.
Croatia have opened the scoring in the last two meetings with Poland and could be backed to grab the first goal on Tuesday at 4/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Poland and Croatia will be played on Oct 15, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Poland vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
