Croatia v Belgium predictions: Belgians can dig themselves out of trouble

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Croatia v Belgium in World Cup Group F on Thursday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 3pm Thursday

Best bet

Belgium
1pt 17-10 Betfair, Betfred, Hills

Belgium are not the force they were four years ago but they are capable of better than they have shown in the first two games and have enough individual quality to see off Croatia, who might have peaked with their 4-1 success over Canada.

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Match preview

Belgium's 'golden generation' might have wasted their best opportunities to win a major tournament but they are capable of one more big performance and look overpriced to defeat Croatia and guarantee themselves a place in the round of 16.

It is almost certain that the Belgians will need maximum points to take part in the knockout stages, while Croatia know a draw would be enough to progress.

However, the Croats are aware of the potential benefit of a victory, which would guarantee top spot in the section and mean avoiding the Group E winners - likely to be Spain - in the next round.

While Croatia might not be entirely clear about how they want to approach the game, there is absolute clarity for Belgium, who must go all out for the victory.

And if head coach Roberto Martinez can free up the minds of his players, he may find the key to a winning performance.

Martinez must make at least one change to the team which lost 2-0 to Morocco on Sunday due to a suspension for midfielder Amadou Onana, but he will probably be pondering a handful of alterations.

Romelu Lukaku will be at the forefront of his thoughts despite concerns over his fitness.

The Inter striker has been hampered by thigh and hamstring injuries and has not appeared in a Serie A fixture since late October. But he came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of the Morocco match and seems likely to be more heavily involved against Croatia if he suffered no setbacks from his cameo.

Getting more minutes out of Lukaku would be a massive help because his touch, movement and ability to hold up the ball are far superior to understudy Michy Batshuayi, who has struggled in the first two games.

Lukaku's presence should occupy Croatian centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol and allow more space for Belgian talisman Kevin De Bruyne to weave his magic.

While several Belgian players could be described as past their best, De Bruyne remains at the peak of his powers and he could deliver a match-winning moment when his country needs it most.

Belgium should perform better than in their first two games and they can expose a Croatia side which has kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 matches at major tournaments.

Croatia impressed when coming from behind to defeat Canada 4-1 on Sunday but they were less impressive in their 0-0 draw with Morocco.

Five of the Croatian outfield players to start both games are more than 30 years old and a third game in nine days will ask a lot of their fitness.

There has been a lot of talk about the ageing limbs of Belgian players, but the Croatia squad are from sprightly and their limitations could be about to be exposed.

Key stat

Belgium have won seven of their last nine World Cup matches

Team news

Croatia
No fresh injuries are reported and head coach Zlatko Dalic may be tempted to field an unchanged side.

Belgium
Romelu Lukaku returned from injury as a substitute in the 2-0 loss to Morocco and is pushing for a place in the starting line-up. Amadou Onana is suspended.

Probable teams

Croatia (4-3-3) Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic.

Belgium (4-2-3-1) Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Castagne; Tielemans, Witsel; De Bruyne, Mertens, Trossard; Lukaku.

Inside info

Croatia

Top scorer in probable team Ivan Perisic
Star player Luka Modric
Penalty taker Luka Modric
Assist ace Ivan Perisic
Set-piece aerial threat Dejan Lovren
Card magnet Marcelo Brozovic

Belgium

Top scorer in probable team Romelu Lukaku
Star player Kevin De Bruyne
Penalty taker Romelu Lukaku
Assist ace Kevin De Bruyne
Set-piece aerial threat Romelu Lukaku
Card magnet Axel Witsel

Croatia v Belgium Bet Builder

Belgium to win
Belgium have advanced beyond the group stage at their last four major tournaments and they can keep the run going by defeating Croatia.
Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime
It has been a quiet start to the tournament for De Bruyne but the Manchester City man can rediscover his sparkle in the nick of time.
Over 2.5 goals
With Belgium pushing for the win and Croatia unlikely to take a backward step there should be scope for plenty of goals.

Price guide 8-1