Thursday's World Cup qualifying predictions, betting odds and tips: Croatia can take full control

Monday's best bets

Croatia to beat Czech Republic
Amazon Prime PPV, 7.45pm Thursday
1pt 7-5 bet365

Austria to win & under 5.5 goals vs San Marino 
7.45pm Thursday
1pt 11-10 bet365

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60/1 Goal To Be Scored In England V Serbia

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Thursday's World Cup qualifying preview

Top spot in Group L of World Cup qualifying has unexpectedly transpired into a two-way tussle between Croatia and Czech Republic, but the Blazers may be able to maintain their perfect start with a vital victory in Prague.

Croatia inflicted a 5-1 hiding on the Czechs in their first exchange at the Opus Arena in Osijek in June and it was a bloodless success that saw them rack up 18 shots and hit the target on 11 occasions.

More will be required on the road but Czech Republic will feel that they have to win if they are to claim top honours as their 12 points have come from having played an extra fixture.

However, that desire for victory could leave Ivan Hasek’s side vulnerable to this vastly experienced Croatian outfit who have lost only two of their last 11 internationals and scored 17 goals in recording four wins from four in Group L.

The mismatch of the night sees Austria entertain Group H minnows San Marino and, while the outcome is a formality, it may be more respectable for the visitors than the layers expect.

San Marino will have every player behind the ball for much of the contest, which forces frustration, and the Austrians had to settle for a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture despite scoring all their goals before the half-hour mark.

With a tricky trip to Romania to come on Sunday, Ralf Rangnick will be expected to make changes so Austria  could take their foot off the gas when in the ascendancy, while San Marino have conceded more than five goals in only one in their last 23 internationals.

Enhanced Offer

4/5

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

60/1 Goal To Be Scored In England V Serbia

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

• Enhanced odds paid in free bets

CLAIM OFFER

18+ T&Cs apply

New customer offer. Place a max £1 bet on “Over 0.5 Goals” in the Over/Under Goals market in England vs Serbia on Thursday 13th November. Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free bet builder Bets. Free bet builder bets are valid 30 days, only deposits with Pay by Bank, cards & Apple Pay are eligible. Excludes multiples & in-play bets. T&C's apply. Please gamble responsibly.

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