Prediction: Armenia vs Croatia

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Armenia are set to face Croatia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match.

The two teams are currently level on points, with Armenia in third place and Croatia in second place in the standings in Group D. This encounter could obviously have a significant impact on the qualification hopes of either side, probably more so for the hosts than the visitors.

Armenia

Armenia have plenty of reasons to be satisfied with their performance at the midway point of Euro 2024 qualification. They have accumulated seven points from their first four games in a very difficult group, putting them level with Croatia and only three points behind group leaders Turkey, with a game in hand.

Armenia’s victories against Latvia and Wales, especially their 4-2 win against Wales, have been particularly noteworthy. Their only loss came against Turkey in the opening match, and they drew with Turkey in their most recent encounter.

Armenia will be looking to maintain their strong position in the group and secure a spot in the Euros. After such a fine start to the campaign, failing to do so would likely come as a big disappointment.

Team News

Armenia’s performance against Turkey, despite not being able to maintain their lead, is likely to leave manager Oleksandr Petrakov satisfied. He may opt to stick with the same starting lineup and employ a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Grant-Leon Ranos, who has made appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga this season, is expected to lead the attack. Ranos has already scored two goals in Euro 2024 qualification, making him a key figure in Armenia’s campaign.

Croatia

Croatia have been performing impressively in their Euro 2024 qualification matches, remaining undefeated with seven points from just three games, the least played by any team in the group. Their most recent outing was a dominant 5-0 victory over Latvia, where they controlled possession and recorded 28 shots. Prior to that, they secured a crucial win against Turkey in March, winning 2-0 with Mateo Kovacic scoring both goals.

A victory in their upcoming match against Armenia would propel Croatia to the top of Group D and provide them with a three-point advantage over their opponents, creating a comfortable gap in the standings. This would put them in a strong position to qualify for the Euro 2024 tournament, but they will be aware that the job is not yet complete.

Having reached the final and the semifinals in the last two World Cups, respectively, Dalic and his men will be feeling confident about their chances. As long as the required effort is made, their immense quality should prove enough.

Team News

Dalic may stick with a strong starting lineup against Armenia, given the importance of the upcoming match. A 4-2-3-1 formation is likely to be utilized once again.

Bruno Petkovic, who has been in fine form with four goals in his last two games for club and country, is expected to be a key player. Captain Luka Modric should retain his position in holding midfield, operating just behind Luka Ivanusec, who scored his second international goal in the last match. This setup  would arguably provide Croatia with the attacking and midfield strength needed to secure a vital victory.

Conclusion

This promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams performing well in Euro 2024 qualifications so far. Armenia has shown resilience and picked up important points against strong opponents like Wales and Turkey, making them a tough team to beat.

Croatia, on the other hand, is a quality side with a strong squad, and they have been efficient in their qualification matches. They’ll be motivated to secure a victory and move to the top of Group D.

While Armenia may put up a strong fight, Croatia’s quality and experience should give them the edge. A narrow victory for Croatia seems like a plausible outcome in this match, with at least three goals for both teams combined.

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet