Prediction: Croatia vs Sweden

Prediction: Croatia win

Best Odds: 22/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

Another international break is upon us and yet despite the apathy that tends to create from domestic football fans, there are some important steps to be taken on the Road to UEFA Euro 2021. Still, while there are playoff games to be settled, the UEFA Nations League is still taking place as teams across the continent attempt to build some momentum prior to the aforementioned showpiece next year. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what is bound to be an interesting clash between Croatia and Sweden this weekend.

Croatia

It’s been two years since Croatia shocked the masses to reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup final only to come up short against the dominant French. It’s hard to analyse how much they’ve improved since then after experiencing a few hiccups in what looked to be a fairly easy qualifying group for them, but when we get to the European Championship next year, you can bet they’re going to be on their A-game.

Team News

Vrsaljko and Rebic are both set to miss out here through injury with Modric being tipped to make his first start of this season’s Nations League campaign, likely forcing Kovacic to the bench.

Sweden

Defensively speaking you’re always going to get a good performance out of the Swedes, but their primary issue in a tournament such as the Euros is always going to be their goalscoring. They’ve got seven or eight months to go before they have to make an official decision regarding who they’re going to pick for their final squad, so for now, all they can do is try to prepare themselves for what will be a tough Euros group that features Spain and Poland as their primary challengers.

Team News

Helander and Andersson are out of action courtesy of respective injuries with Svensson still being suspended. Elsewhere, Kulusevski is bound to make some kind of appearance with Everton fans being hopeful that Olsen will start and given them a taste of what they can expect from him.

Factors to Consider

• Croatia won Group E with 17 points from eight games whereas Sweden finished 2nd in Group F with 21 points from 10 games.
• Croatia have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Sweden have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Croatia have scored 11 goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
• Sweden have scored seven goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

While Croatia may have the pedigree to win a game like this, they’re going to be tested by an incredibly organised Sweden side that will make life as difficult as they possibly can for you. We’re expecting a drawn out, back and forth affair with both nations getting their shots in, but there’s just an extra bit of quality within Croatia’s ranks that should see them through. We’re going to back Croatia to edge out an incredibly fortunate 1-0 or 2-1 win.

Prediction: Croatia win

Best Odds: 22/25

Bookmaker: 888sport