Croatia vs Hungary Predictions

There’s a showdown at the top of Group E on Thursday night, as Croatia face off with Hungary in the fight to make it to Euro 2020. There’s just a point between these two sides as they fight to book a top-two place. However, Hungary have dropped to third, with a four-way fight to make the tournament. With Slovakia and Wales facing off elsewhere, this is a decisive night in the battle for qualification.

Croatia are heading to the Euros as the top side in this group as it stands, but their 1-1 draw at Azerbaijan has left an opening. However, the World Cup finalists have still won three of their five games in this group, while they are favourites for another victory in midweek. After a poor Nations League campaign, they are back to their best and heading for another major tournament, while a win here will push them further in front in this group.

Hungary made the last Euros, but their chances of returning are hanging in the balance. They lost at home to Slovakia in their last game to blow the group wide open. The problem for the visitors has been their defence, as problems at the back have plagued them all campaign. They’ve kept just one clean sheet so far, now they face what is likely to be their toughest game in the group.

Croatia are in a similar situation, as they have seen both teams score in four of their five matches in qualifying. The hosts have won 2-1 in both of their home games so far, while they have now seen both teams score in five of their last six competitive games at home. With Hungary conceding too many, we expect a few goals between these two on Thursday. The last three meetings between these two sides have seen both teams find the net, so we are backing BTTS in this tie.

On top of backing both teams to score, we feel like home advantage will swing this one towards the hosts. Croatia have kicked off with back to back victories in this group, which has sent them into first place. Croatia have been in inspired home form of late, winning six of their last seven qualifiers. They’ve won four of six home clashes since the World Cup, a run which brought a 0-0 draw with England and a 3-2 win over Spain. They should edge out Hungary here, so we’re backing Croatia to claim a third successive home win against the Hungarians, with 2-1 our correct score pick.