Croatia vs Ukraine Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Croatia looked like potential contenders for the Euro 2016 trophy last summer, as they beat Turkey and Spain either side of a draw against Czech Republic to top their group. They looked scintillating going forward with their world class midfield, but they ended up playing out one of the least entertaining matches in the tournament as they were eliminated by eventual winners Portugal in the first knockout round.

Since then long serving captain Darijo Srna has retired, but Croatia still look a very good side. They drew with Turkey in their first qualifier but have gone on to beat Kosovo, Finland, and Iceland to top the group. They are only two points clear of 2nd placed Ukraine though, so a defeat on Friday would topple them from the top spot.

Croatia have played a few games since their last qualifier, beating Northern Ireland 3-0 in a friendly, before losing both of their invitational China Cup games on penalties against Chile and China.

Ukraine’s last outing was a friendly win over Serbia in January, with that following on from victories over Kosovo and Finland and two draws against Turkey and Iceland in the qualifiers. This leaves them 2nd in the group, but Iceland are only a point behind them and Turkey are three points off down in 4th. With all of those four teams vying for World Cup qualification this could be a very competitive group.

The visitors had a torrid time in France last summer, as they lost all three of their group games and failed to score a single goal. They have looked greatly improved since then though.

Croatia’s defence is a lot more sturdy than the likes of Kosovo and Finland though, and their attacking ability is even more of a difference. With the home advantage on their side I can’t look beyond a Croatia win here.

I’m not expecting it to be a walkover though, and with five of Croatia’s last seven games seeing two or three total goals and five of Ukraine’s last eight also going the same way, odds of 20/21 for Two or Three Total Goals look good value for money. I’m backing that alongside a 2-0 win for Croatia at 5/1 for my correct score predictions.