UEFA Nations League: France vs. Croatia Picks — Hosts to Overturn Disadvantage? (Mar 23)

The pressure will be on the 2018 World Cup champions this weekend, as France need a big performance on home soil if they are to reach the Nations League finals.

France were well-beaten by Croatia on Thursday, suffering a 2-0 defeat.

Ante Budimir opened the scoring for the hosts, before Ivan Perisic added a second before the half-time break. France will need a two-goal win to force extra time at the very least.

Odds

France Dominate H2H Record

Croatia have won their last two matches against France following their 2-0 win on home soil on Thursday.

However, France have still won three of the last five meetings between the countries, which bodes well for their chances.

France Team News

Things didn’t appear to click for France in the first leg on Thursday.

Didier Deschamps could revert back to a 4-3-3 formation on Sunday, with Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe playing on the wings, and Randal Kolo Muani playing through the middle.

Possible Lineup

M. Maignan (GK); J. Kounde, I. Konate, W. Saliba, L. Digne, A. Rabiot, A. Tchouameni, E. Camavinga, O. Dembele, R. Muani, K. Mbappe

Croatia Team News

Croatia’s experience could count for a lot in France this weekend.

The tactical setup may change slightly to deploy a more defensive approach, but the personnel is unlikely to differ.

Possible Lineup

D. Livakovic (GK); J. Stanisic, J. Sutalo, D. Caleta-Car, J. Gvardiol, I. Perisic, L. Modric, M. Kovacic, D. Baturina, A. Kramaric, A. Budimir

France vs. Croatia Picks

Croatia hold an excellent advantage ahead of this return fixture in France. However, the former world champions look primed to make a response now back on home soil.

Therefore, we expect France to secure victory inside 90 minutes, but it may not be enough to secure a position in the Nations League finals.