Croatia v Czech Republic predictions: Czech mate for underwhelming Croatia

Free Euro 2020 football tips, best bets and analysis for Croatia v Czech Republic in Group D on Friday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 5pm

Best bet

Czech Republic or draw double chance
2pts 8-11 BoyleSports

Czech Republic went top of Group D with their 2-0 win over Scotland on Monday and they should fancy their chances of taking at least a point off Croatia, who were unconvincing against England in their opener.

Team news

Croatia
Dejan Lovren is expected to return from injury for Zlatko Dalic's men. Borna Barisic has not travelled.

Czech Republic
Injured goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka withdrew from the squad before the Scotland game. There are no fresh injuries to report for the Czechs.

Match preview

Patrik Schick's stunning goal from distance sealed a 2-0 win for Czech Republic in their Euro 2020 opener against Scotland but they were far from a one-man team at Hampden Park and bookmakers seem to be underestimating their chances against Croatia.

Although shaky at the back, the Czechs were great to watch going forward against the Scots and look overpriced to beat Zlatko Dalic's out-of-form side.

Croatia could not emulate their 2018 World Cup semi-final triumph over England at Wembley on Sunday, falling to a 1-0 defeat, which has hindered their chances of making the knockout stage.

Though the shot count was level at 8-8, Croatia never looked like troubling the Three Lions and lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

The defeat to England means they have now won only twice in their last ten assignments, against minnows Malta and Cyprus, and as part of that run they also lost to Slovenia and drew with Armenia.

The midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic ensures they can go toe to toe with any side when it comes to keeping the ball but the combative qualities of Czech Tomas Soucek, who made three tackles against Scotland, should disrupt Croatia's rhythm.

And although Czech Republic handed Scotland plenty of chances to go in front in Glasgow, they can be expected to play less offensively this time, knowing that a point should see them qualify for the last 16. So the best approach looks to be backing the Czechs to avoid defeat.

As recently as March they demonstrated they can sit back and soak up pressure against stronger opposition, holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw in the World Cup qualifiers, despite seeing only 37 per cent of the ball.

That Red Devils team contained Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, yet the Czechs were able to keep them quiet.

And the real turning point for them during Euro 2020 qualification came in a 2-1 win over England at the end of 2019 - another example of Jaroslav Silhavy's men working well as a collective to nullify a dangerous attacking side.

Croatia do not carry as much of an attacking threat as either of those aforementioned opponents and have lacked a focal point going forwards since Mario Mandzukic called time on his international career.

Czech Republic have already spoiled Scotland's party and they can follow that up by putting a sizeable dent in Croatia's hopes of making it out of Group D.

Key stat

Czech Republic have lost only two of their last eight matches.

Inside info

Croatia

Penalty taker Luka Modric
Free-kick wizard Ivan Perisic
Set-piece aerial threat Dejan Lovren
Card magnet Marcelo Brozovic

Czech Republic

Penalty taker Vladimir Darida
Free-kick wizardVladimir Darida
Set-piece aerial threatTomas Soucek
Card magnetVladimir Darida

Lowdown

Venue Hampden Park, Glasgow
Fans allowed 12,000
Time Zone BST
Weather Sunny with cloud, 18C
FIFA rankings Croatia (14), Czech Republic (40)

Bet builder

Czech Republic or draw double chance
Czech Republic excited in the final third against Scotland but can also play conservatively and should avoid defeat against struggling Croatia.

Under 3.5 goals
Each of Croatia's last six matches haa featured under 3.5 goals and that trend could continue when they take on a Czech side who may be happy to share the spoils.

Tomas Soucek to be shown a card
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has picked up yellow cards against Belgium and Albania for his country this year and could go into the book when playing against Croatia's talented midfield.

The treble pays 13-2 with Coral

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