Croatia will take on Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, 18 November in a match that is now nothing more than an exhibition.
Both sides have already cemented their final positions in League A, Group One with Portugal qualifying for the quarter-finals as group winners and Croatia making it through as runners-up.
This clash is now just an opportunity for the two squads to get some practice in against top-level opposition before the knockout rounds begin next March.
As part of our latest round of UEFA Nations League betting tips, here is our Croatia vs Portugal prediction.
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Croatia vs Portugal prediction: Expect goals at both ends
Key Stats
- Portugal have scored and conceded in four of their five Nations League matches.
- Croatia have scored and conceded in three of their five Nations League matches.
- More than two goals have been scored in each of the lats four meetings between Croatia and Portugal.
Correct score prediction: Croatia 1-2 Portugal
Earlier in the campaign, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 on home soil and a repeat result would not be a shock whatsoever. The shackles should come off given that nothing is really at stake which should result in both teams being open and expansive.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Portugal priced as favourites
- HOME: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Croatia vs Portugal odds illustrate just how tight this contest is expected to be with all three results very much on the table. Ladbrokes have made Portugal the slight favourites and consider them to have a 45.5% chance of getting the win. Meanwhile, Croatia have been given a 33.3% chance of coming away with the three points.
Check out our betting tips today page for more Nations League predictions this week.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Portugal
Croatia and Portugal have met on five occasions over the past six years and the two squads haven't changed a great deal in that timeframe. As a result, these are familiar foes and it is Portugal that have the superior record with three wins from those five matches. Croatia have won just one of them and even then it was only in a friendly match so all the momentum is with Portugal.
UEFA Nations League A 05/09/24
Portugal
Croatia
International Match 08/06/24
Portugal
Croatia
UEFA Nations League 17/11/20
Croatia
Portugal
UEFA Nations League 05/09/20
Portugal
Croatia
International Match 06/09/18
Portugal
Croatia
Croatia preview: Changes expected after Scotland defeat
Defeat to Scotland earlier in the week has denied Croatia the chance to come into this match with a fighting chance of finishing top of the group so changes to the starting XI are expected. In terms of forced changes, Petar Sucic is suspended and Kristijan Jakic will miss out through injury. Ante Budimir and Dominik Livakovic are available to return.
Predicted lineup: Livakovic (GK), Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Modric, Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic, Budimir
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
France
2
Croatia
0
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
W
France
0
Croatia
2
UEFA Nations League A 18/11/24
D
Portugal
1
Croatia
1
UEFA Nations League A 15/11/24
L
Scotland
1
Croatia
0
UEFA Nations League A 15/10/24
D
Poland
3
Croatia
3
Portugal preview: A rotated side is expected
Roberto Martinez has earned plenty of brownie points with Premier League clubs this week as he has allowed Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto and Bruno Fernandes to all return to their clubs early after Portugal secured top spot on Friday night. Some fresh blood could therefore start this one, including exciting teenager, Geovany Quenda.
Predicted lineup: R. Silva (GK), Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares, Neves, Vitinha, Conceicao, Felix, Trincao, F.Silva
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
W
Denmark
2
Portugal
5
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
L
Denmark
1
Portugal
0
UEFA Nations League A 18/11/24
D
Croatia
1
Portugal
1
UEFA Nations League A 15/11/24
W
Poland
1
Portugal
5
UEFA Nations League A 15/10/24
D
Scotland
0
Portugal
0
Player to watch: Joao Felix
Joao Felix hasn't seen any significant amount of game time this season with his move to Chelsea so far falling flat. The 25-year-old was once tipped as football's next big thing and while there is still time for him to turn his career back around, he is going to want to start performing soon. Monday night is an opportunity for him to show what he's all about.