Croatia v Ukraine Betting Predictions and Tips

19:45 Friday 24 March 2017

Simon Winter

Match Preview - 19:45 Kick-Off at Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Group leaders Croatia welcome second place Ukraine to Zagreb in the biggest game of World Cup Qualifying Group I so far. Croatia began the campaign as favourites to qualify and they are certainly living up to that tag having bagged 10 points from the first 4 games. Anchored in midfield by the outstanding Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Croatia certainly have the pedigree required to open up an early 5 point gap on their nearest rivals.

Under Andrei Shevchenko, Ukraine have been building the kind of momentum not seen since their managers playing days. As always they will look to their star duo Yevhen Konomplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko for inspiration. Their new centre back pairing of Yaroslav Rakitskiy and Oleksandr Kucher are on a run of 3 consecutive clean sheets.

In what could be a cagey affair, Croatia’s extra dynamism and impetus in attack through the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic could make all the difference.

Croatia’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group I Results so far:

Sept 5th 2016 - Croatia 1:1 Turkey

Oct 6th 2016 - Kosovo 0:6 Croatia

Oct 9th 2016 - Finland 0:1 Croatia

Nov 12th 2016 - Croatia 2:0 Iceland

Ukraine’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group I Results so far:

Sept 5th 2016 - Ukraine 1:1 Iceland

Oct 6th 2016 - Turkey 2:2 Ukraine

Oct 9th 2016 - Ukraine 3:0 Kosovo

Nov 12th 2016 - Ukraine 1:0 Finland

Odds

Croatia 4/7

Ukraine 13/2

Draw 29/10

Predictions

Although Ukraine’s defensive organisation has been improving game on game out, the quality of Croatia’s team should see them secure 3 more points for manager Ante Cacic. I expect high possession stats with a low return of goals for Croatia.

Our Tips

William Hill are offering odds of 6/4 for Mario Mandzukic to score anytime against Ukraine. The Juventus striker has netted 4 times in as many games in Group I so far and those odds look a great bet. If you are looking for betting advice on the actual outcome of the game, then odds of 4/1 for Croatia to win 1-0 is a lovely price on Bet365.

Mandzukic to score anytime - 6/4 - William Hill

Croatia to win 1-0        - 4/1 - Bet365

Bonuses

William Hill

100%

Claim now

Betway

£30

Claim now

Betsson

100%

Claim now

Monster Casino

£30

Claim now

Spinzwin

£35

Claim now