Croatia vs Portugal prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups - November 18, 2024
As part of the sixth round of the UEFA Nations League in League A, Croatia will face Portugal. The match is set to take place in Split on Monday, November 18, at 20:45 Central European Time. My suggested bet is on goals being scored by both teams.
Match Preview
Croatia complicated their position in the group by losing to Scotland. A narrow away defeat saw the "Checkered Ones" miss the chance to secure a quarterfinal spot early.
Now, the outcome will be decided in the head-to-head clash between these teams in the final round. Croatia will also be rooting for Poland against Scotland—if the Scots fail to win, the result of Croatia vs. Portugal will be irrelevant.
Portugal has justified their status as group favorites, having already secured a spot in the top eight. However, they won't simply go through the motions, as evidenced by their dominant win over Poland in the last round.
The Portuguese, led by the ever-motivated Ronaldo, will come to Croatia aiming for victory. With the hosts also needing points, an exciting match is expected.
Match Facts
- Croatia has been unbeaten at home for over a year.
- Portugal is on a seven-match unbeaten streak in regular time.
- Croatia averages 1.8 goals per game at home, while Portugal averages 1.2 goals per game away.
Probable Lineups
- Croatia: Livakovic, Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic, Baturina, Pasalic, Vlasic, Kramaric.
- Portugal: Costa, Mendes, Silva, Veiga, Cancelo, Fernandes, Vitinha, Silva, Leao, Conceicao, Ronaldo.
Head-to-Head
Portugal has a significant edge in head-to-head encounters. Notably, both teams scored in each of the last five meetings.
Prediction
Both sides have highly skilled players, but the visitors are considered slight favorites. I expect an exciting match and suggest betting on both teams to score.
