Croatia vs Russia Predictions

• Croatia are unbeaten at home in qualifying with three wins and one draw.
• The reverse fixture finished 0-0 in Russia, with Croatia creating more chances and enjoying more possession.
• Croatia have scored in the first half in each of their last four games.

Croatia can steal top spot

Croatia and Russia meet in a vital World Cup qualifying Group H clash on Sunday with top spot up for grabs.

The visitors hold the advantage as they are two points clear of Croatia going into the final round of games, meaning a draw would be enough for Russia to qualify as group winners and avoid a play-off.

However, home advantage may prove the difference here and Croatia may be able to claim a key win here to emerge as the group winners.

The Croats have 10 points from a possible 12 at home in qualifying and their only slip-up came in a 2-2 draw with Slovakia. Zlatko Dalic’s men dominated that game but visiting keeper Marek Rodak was in inspired form that day, making eight saves, while Slovakia scored with their only two shots on target.

Croatia also looked the more likely side when they played Russia in the reverse fixture in Moscow, enjoying 59% of the possession, but again they were wasteful with their shooting. Dalic’s man created 14 chances to Russia’s eight in that meeting but only two of those were on target and they had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Hosts in free-scoring form

Scoring in general had been an issue for Croatia but they appear to have found form in front of goal at the right time. The Vatreni hit seven past minnows Malta in midweek and have now scored at least two goals in each of their last four fixtures.

Russia have impressed in this qualification campaign but their one defeat did come away from home in Slovakia. The fact they only need a draw may also work against them here as they could be tempted to try and hold on for a point, and a team with Croatia’s creative talent should be able to force a breakthrough at some point.

A correct score bet is hard to call here as if Croatia do get an early goal that may well open things up as Russia will have to throw men forward. As the hosts have managed a first half goal in each of their last four games there is a reasonable chance that could happen on Sunday, so we’re opting for a 3-0 victory for Croatia as when Russia do lose they tend to fall to heavy defeats – with three of their last four losses coming by three or more goals.