Before the qualifications Croatia was regarded as a great favourite in the group and it was expected that will fight for the second place. After two rounds the situation is a bit different as Croatia lost one match, while Wales played just one and won. Croatia didn’t play well in the Nations League, just like Wales, and out of four head-to-head Croatia won three and one ended as draw.
Croatia national team is in problems but it cannot be said that this is a big surprise, since it is expected to go through a low period after a brilliant performance at the World Cup in Russia. They didn’t succeed in the Nations League and they finished at the last, third place, however, the bigger problem is weak start of this qualifying cycle. The Croats won Azerbaijan 2-1 in the first round at home after a real torture that includes turning the result up-side down, while they lost to Hungary by the same result away. In that duel the Crotas had a led and then they received two goals, so the alarm goes off. They are weakened for this match because there will be no Rakitic and Rebic.
Probable lineups Crotia: L. Kalinic – Jedvaj, Vida, Lovren, Barisic – Brozovic, Badelj, Kovacic, Modric – Perisic, Kramaric
Wales also didn’t succeed in the Nations League after winning Ireland twice, but they were defeated two times by Denmark and they ended up in the second place. They weren’t relegated from the Nations League B and it is good news, but it is more important that they started the qualifications with a victory. They faced Slovakia, which can be quite tough and won by 1-0. James scored the only goal of in the match already at the 5th minute, and they kept the result all the way till the end. Wales comes relaxed to Croatia, but they are also weakened because Ramsey won’t play this time, just as left back B. Davies, while Bale is in good shape and right mood.
Probable lineups Wales: Hennessey – Roberts, Mepham, A. Williams, N. Taylor – Smith, Allen – Wilson, Brooks, James – Bale
Croatia is weakened and under pressure so it could have problems with Wales. The guests are tough and will play defensively which will create problems for the home team, therefore, we will forecast a match with few goals.
Pick: under 2.5 goals 1.65 - 65/100 @1XBet