Prediction: Croatia vs Turkey

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 16/25

Bookmaker: Unibet

The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Croatia and Turkey on Thursday in Osijek is set to be a crucial fixture, with both teams currently tied on 10 points in Group D. However, Croatia have the advantage of a game in hand, and they also managed to secure a victory against Turkey earlier in the qualification process.

This upcoming match will have significant implications for both teams’ hopes of advancing to the Euro 2024 tournament, and the outcome could play a crucial role in determining the group’s winner. Croatia will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while Turkey will be eager to secure a victory and boost their chances of qualification.

Croatia

Croatia are currently leading the group and aiming to secure a place in the tournament for the sixth consecutive time. With established stars like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic approaching the twilight of their careers, the team is eager to make a strong impression at Euro 2024.

Mateo Kovacic, who plays for Manchester City, scored a crucial brace in Croatia’s 2-0 victory over Turkey in March. While they currently lead the group, they are aware of the competition from teams like Turkey, Armenia, and Wales, all of whom are close behind in the standings.

Croatia are obviously determined to maintain their lead in the group and secure qualification for Euro 2024. Therefore, this upcoming match against Turkey is crucial, as any slip-up could allow their rivals to catch up. Croatia also face Wales later in the qualification campaign, making these fixtures very significant in determining their fate in the tournament.

Team News

Croatia’s squad for the upcoming matches in these qualifications is expectedly led by their experienced captain, Luka Modric, who has earned 168 caps for his national team so far. Unfortunately, Ivan Perisic is unavailable due to an ACL injury sustained while playing for Tottenham Hotspur, and Luka Ivanusec is also sidelined with an injury.

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is at risk of suspension for the match against Wales if he receives a booking in this fixture. Despite the exclusion of Marin Pongracic and Duje Caleta-Car from the preliminary squad, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has several alternatives available to fill any gaps.

Turkey

Former Adana Demirspor boss Vincenzo Montella is set for a challenging debut as the Turkey manager, taking on Croatia in his first game in charge. He recently replaced Stefan Kuntz, who was sacked after a mixed run of results. Turkey will look to book a place in Euro 2024, and Montella will be tasked with getting the underperforming squad back on track.

While Istanbul’s top clubs have made significant investments in talent, the Turkish national team has struggled in recent times. Montella will aim to lead the team to better results and is preparing to tackle Croatia in their home ground, a proven, formidable opponent for any national side in the world.

Turkey have their sights set on improving their international performance after missing out on the World Cup for two decades and having a limited impact on recent European Championship finals.

Team News

Turkey’s Merih Demiral will miss the upcoming match due to accumulated bookings, so coach Vincenzo Montella may pair Caglar Soyuncu with Kaan Ayhan in central defense. Real Madrid’s Arda Guler is unavailable due to knee surgery, and Cengiz Under has not been called up. Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu is expected to be the main source of creativity in their absence. Uncapped Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz has been included but may not see significant playing time.

Hakan Calhanoglu will captain the team from midfield, and the choice for the goalkeeper position is between Manchester United reserve Altay Bayindir and Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir.

Conclusion

While Croatia aims to maintain their position at the top of Group D, Turkey may find themselves in a competitive battle for second place in the group. Croatia has a strong home record, making the task even more challenging for Turkey.

A home win is more than a likely outcome in this game.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 16/25

Bookmaker: Unibet