Prediction: Poland vs Croatia

Verdict: Croatia double chance

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to make it three Nations League victories on the bounce, Croatia will travel to Warsaw when they meet Poland on Tuesday night.

Poland

Starting with the hosts, while Poland might have opened their Nations League adventure with a remarkable 3-2 victory away at Scotland on September 5th, the Eagles have come crashing back down to earth. Marking their return to League A action over the weekend as they fell to a routine 3-1 drumming at the hands of Portugal, Michal Probierz’s men have continued to show some glaring issues over the past few months. Failing to make any kind of impact during their downbeat EURO 24 campaign over the summer as they could only put a single point on the board, Poland are seeking a crucial boost here. However, signing off September’s international break with a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Netherlands, Probierz’s side have gained a reputation for their Nations League issues on home soil. Along with losing each of their previous three showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 6-1, they have also won just two of their nine historic Nations League battles in Warsaw.

Team News

All withdrawing from Poland’s squad last week, the trio of Bartlomiej Dragowski, Mateusz Skrzypczak and Kacper Kozlowski will not feature on Tuesday night. Likewise, suffering a suspected blow against Portugal over the weekend, Torino defender Sebastian Walukiewicz is seen as a doubt in Warsaw.

In the midst of what has been a major La Liga purple patch and already registering 10 goals from his first nine appearances, Robert Lewandowski will lead Poland’s charge. Bagging a consolation strike against Portugal over the weekend, Inter Milan playmaker Piotr Zielinski will partner Lewandowski in the final third.

Croatia

As for the visitors, while Croatia might have got their Nations League adventure underway with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Portugal on September 5th, the Blazers have come roaring back. Despite enduring a public EURO 24 struggle over the summer as they failed to book a knockout stage ticket, Zlatko Dalic’s men have collected back-to-back League A victories. Last seen over the weekend collecting a 2-1 win against Scotland, the former World Cup bronze medalists have their sights set on snapping up a semi-final spot. Likewise, collecting a 1-0 win when they welcomed Poland to the Opus Arena last month, Croatia will be looking for a repeat performance here. Now registering consecutive competitive victories for the first time so far this calendar year, it should also be highlighted that Dalic’s camp have lost just one of their four historic showdowns against the midweek hosts.

Team News

While Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic might have missed out against Scotland over the weekend following the birth of his child, the ex-Chelsea star could make a full return here. Opening his Nations League account against the Tartan Army on Saturday night, Andrej Kramaric will spearhead Dalic’s attack.

With no signs of hanging up his international boots, former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric will earn a 182nd international cap here. Completing a permanent move to French outfit Marseille over the summer, Duje Caleta-Car will start at the heart of Croatia’s defence and partner Man City ace Josko Gvardiol.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Poland and Croatia met for their reverse Nations League showdown on September 8th, the Blazers collected a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• The former World Cup bronze medalists have lost just one of their four historic battles against Tuesday’s hosts.
• Croatia have collected back-to-back Nations League victories.
• Poland have collected just a single win from any of their previous six competitive appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Eagles have collected just a sole clean sheet from any of their last nine outings.

Conclusion

Securing a 2-1 victory against Scotland over the weekend and with their sights set on booking a Nations League semi-final ticket, Croatia will be desperate to lay down another marker here. Collecting back-to-back Nations League wins, the Blazers should also be excited by their most recent showdown against Poland. Landing a 1-0 win when they welcomed Tuesday’s hosts to the Opus Arena on September 8th, we are backing an away double chance in midweek.

Verdict: Croatia double chance

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet