Finland vs Croatia Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview
Finland take on Croatia in World Cup qualifying Group I this Sunday. Read the match predictions to find out why Croatia are the betting tip to get three points at Tampere Stadium.
Finland vs Croatia Preview
Finland just couldn’t hold out against Iceland and were done by two late goals to lose 3-2 in Reykjavík on Thursday. They sit fifth in the table, 3 points behind leaders Croatia who eased to a 0-6 victory away to Kosovo.
Hans Backe will have been pleased with the effort from his players against Iceland, despite the late capitulation and could field a similar side here. Kasper Hämäläinen may occupy a more withdrawn role but will look to get forward and support Teemu Pukki wherever possible. Eero Markkanen looks set to start on the bench again and could be called into action, if Finland are chasing the game.
Croatia ensured it was a baptism of fire in Kosovo’s first competitive home match and Ante Čačić will be taking no chances here either. Matej Mitrović got a run out in the second half but is unlikely to start ahead of Vedran Ćorluka if the veteran right-back is fit. Mario Mandžukić bagged a hat-trick before being replaced by Nikola Kalinić and is likely to be restored to the starting XI. Dejan Lovren, Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić are all out injured.
Team Predictions Finland vs Croatia
Finland 4-4-1-1 formation: Hradecky; Arkivuo, Arajuuri, Moisander, Väisänen; Hetemaj, Ring, Lod; Hämäläinen; Pukki
Croatia 4-4-2 formation: Subašić; Ćorluka, Vida, Pivarić, Vrsaljko; Badelj, Brozović, Kovačić, Perišić; Mandžukić, Kramarić
Finland vs Croatia Betting Tips
- Finland have won 0 drawn 3 and lost 7 of their last 10 matches
- Croatia have won 6 drawn 4 and lost 0 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Finland have scored an average of 0.5 goals and conceded an average of 2.1 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Croatia have scored an average of 2.6 goals and conceded an average of 0.5 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Finland’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Croatia’s previous 10 matches
(Photo by GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/Getty Images)
Finland vs Croatia Prediction
Having performed with credit to draw with Belgium and avoid heavy defeats in friendlies against Italy and Germany, Finland will have been disappointed to only draw 1-1 at home to Kosovo in their opening Group I game. They were much improved against Iceland and looked to be heading for 3 points until two late goals turned the tie on it’s head.
Croatia are getting quite a reputation for punishing the smaller sides having previously stuffed San Marino 10-0 before Friday’s 0-6 rout in Kosovo. That result was preceded by a 1-1 friendly draw to Turkey, which followed their exit from Euro 2016 after a 0-1 Extra Time defeat to eventual winners Portugal.
Hans Backe will need his players to move on quickly from the loss against Iceland and this looks a tougher match. With the greatest of respect, the best the hosts can hope for is a draw here and Croatia would need to have an off day for that to happen.
Mandžukić will be a constant thorn in their side and he never stops running. The visitors will miss Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić but have shown that they can rack up a few goals without them. I don’t see Subašić having a busy night and it’s really a question of how many Croatia can win by.
Free Betting Tips
Match Prediction
Croatia to win at 4/7 with William Hill
Over/Under Prediction
Over 2.5 goals at 42/41 with 888Sport
Correct Score Prediction
Croatia to win 3-0 at 10/1 with 888Sport
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