The final international break of 2018 brings more competitive football as the Uefa Nations League group stage comes to an end.
As a result, a lot is on the line for many nations including Croatia and Spain, who meet in League A Group 4 with one team fighting for qualification to the Uefa Nations League finals and the other looking to avoid relegation.
Read on for Croatia v Spain live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is Croatia vs Spain?
Competition: Uefa Nations League
Venue: Stadion Maksimir
Date: Thursday, 15 November
Kick-off: 7:45 PM GMT
Match preview
Croatia and Spain may have had differing success at the World Cup this summer with La Roja falling in the last-16 while the Blazers would go on to finish runners-up to France.
But their fortunes have switched post-Russia with Spain taking control of Group A4 in the Uefa Nations League ahead of Croatia and England, who also enjoyed a good summer at the World Cup.
READ MORE: Every major nation’s lowest FIFA ranking
Croatia are without a win in their two Nations League games so far, losing 6-0 to Spain when these sides last met in September, before drawing 0-0 with England.
But they have the chance to turn it all around on Thursday with a win over Spain which would see them pull level on points with England and be in with a chance to win the group if they were to beat the Three Lions in their final fixture.
On the other hand, Spain have looked really impressive under Luis Enrique in spite of a 3-2 defeat to England last time out, quickly turning the corner after a disappointing World Cup.
La Roja are still growing as a unit under Enrique and are yet to truly show the ability of Spain’s successful sides between 2008 and 2012, but Thursday’s game could be the kickstarter of another period of world domination.
Where can I watch live?
Croatia’s game against Spain can be viewed by UK residents on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Premier League, channels 121 and 402 respectively on Sky, and channels 520 and 502 for Virgin Media users.
The game is also available to watch on fuboTV for US-based viewers, and can be found on ESPN2 and Univision Deportes.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about fuboTV
Which result suits England most?
England may be focussing on their friendly with USA while this match is going on, but someone at the FA will be paying careful attention to goings on in Zagreb. Currently second in the group with one game left to play, Spain’s game against Croatia will go some way in shaping England’s finish.
A draw between Spain and Croatia would present England with the opportunity to top group A4 with a win over Croatia, finishing level on points with Spain but edging ahead due to a better head-to-read record having scored three away goals to La Roja’s two in the fixtures between them.
If England’s sole wish is to avoid relegation, a Spain win would take off some pressure from the Three Lions’ final game with Croatia as just a draw would suffice.
However, if Croatia earn their first win of the Nations League against Spain, England would either need to draw 0-0 with the Blazers and bank on goal difference keeping them up or win to both guarantee safety and top the group. A score draw or defeat in these circumstances would see England drop down to League B.
How far are Spain from returning to the top of world football?
The World Cup was undeniably a disaster for Spain, especially given the Julen Lopetegui-Real Madrid fiasco. But Luis Enrique is starting to turn things around, with La Roja looking closer to the side they once were between 2008 and 2012. However, the recent defeat to England exposed some of the weaknesses in Spain’s team including a defence perhaps too attack-minded. That is not to immediately put La Roja down, but it goes to show Enrique still has a way to go.
READ MORE: The ridiculous depth of Spain’s midfield
Was Croatia’s World Cup run merely a fluke?
Prior to the World Cup, Croatia had built themselves a reputation of being the ‘dark horses’ for practically every major tournament and actually lived up to it by reaching the final in Russia.
Some had predicted this to be a stage for Croatia to build on, despite their ageing stars, but the opposite has happened. With Mario Mandzukic retiring, Croatia lost their key goalscorer in big games and Zlatko Dalic is yet to truly replace the Juventus forward.
Head-to-head
Thursday’s match will be just the eighth time Croatia and Spain have faced off, with La Roja having the slightly better record with four wins including the 6-0 humiliation last time out.
Croatia wins: 2 Draws: 1 Spain wins: 4
Team news
Croatia have no fresh injury problems in their most recent squad and manager Dalic will be looking to field his strongest team when Spain come to Zagreb.
Luis Enrique shocked many when he recalled Jordi Alba to the Spanish national team with some believing the Barcelona left-back’s international career to be over. There were also a shock omission with Paco Alcacer left out with Alvaro Morata returning.
Predicted Croatia XI: Kalinic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Pivaric; Brozovic, Rakitic; Kovacic, Modric, Perisic; Kramaric.
Predicted Spain XI: De Gea; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Alba; Saul, Busquets, Isco; Aspas, Rodrigo, Asensio.
Squawka Prediction
Croatia have looked a shadow of the team which reached the World Cup final and should, once again, be undone by Spain. 2-0.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Get the BetBull sign-up offer HERE – Ts&Cs apply. +18 only. BeGambleAware.org
1. Spain to win @ 11/10
Croatia may have had the better summer but Spain are a class above the Blazers in the Nations League and should be good for the win, securing their place in the finals.
La Roja are a new machine under Luis Enrique, free-scoring and showing signs of improving defensively, proving seriously hard to beat unless the opposition are at their best.
Key Stat: Spain have won four of their past seven games against Croatia.
Tip: Spain to win @ 11/10 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (12/11/2018, 14:30)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Spain over 1.5 @ 5/4
When these sides last met, Spain put Croatia to the sword scoring six unanswered goals in Alicante. And while La Roja are unlikely to do the same this season, they can be backed to score at least two goals.
Including the 6-0 win over Croatia, Spain have scored at least two goals in their three Nations League games so far – beating England 2-1 before losing 3-2.
Key Stat: No team has scored more goals in the Uefa Nations League than Spain (10).
Tip: Spain over 1.5 @ 5/4 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (12/11/2018, 14:30)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Both teams to score NO @ 5/6
England may have exploited Spain their last match but when La Roja last faced Croatia, Luis Enrique’s men were hardly troubled defensively.
The same came from Croatia against England, with Dalic’s men missing the killer instinct in front of goal which had seen them reach the World Cup final just four months ago.
Key Stat: Croatia are one of just two teams yet to score in the Uefa Nations League this year, alongside San Marino in League 4.
Tip: Both teams to score NO @ 5/6 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (12/11/2018, 14:30)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
Search squawkagaming on BetBull to follow all our tips for Croatia vs Spain and more.
The post Croatia vs Spain predictions and match preview appeared first on Squawka News.
From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2zPQ2ZW
No comments:
Post a Comment