CROATIA v UKRAINE
Friday 24th March 2017 – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Football – World – Europe World Cup Qualifier Betting Tips
With betting opportunities appearing to be a little light on the ground on Friday night, the other match I feel that offers a bit of value is the fixture between Croatia and Ukraine, also in Group I, as top team takes on second place in Zagreb.
Croatia currently top Group I with 10 points to their name as they remain unbeaten so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and hold a useful two-point advantage over their visitors Ukraine ahead of this crucial clash.
Croatia’s bid for an automatic place for the Russian 2018 World Cup has been boosted by remaining undefeated with a 1-1 draw with Turkey in their opening group match which has been followed up with three wins on the trot over Kosovo, Finland (away) and Iceland. A useful midfield consisting of Modric, Kovacic and Rakitic will feed the likes of Mandzukic and Perisic up front.
Visitors Ukraine sit in second spot in Group I and therefore currently hold the possible play-off spot for the best runner-up in the groups ahead of their difficult challenge that awaits them in Zagreb here this evening.
Ukraine have made a solid start to their World Cup qualifying campaign on the back of wins over Kosovo and Finland along with draws against Iceland Turkey. However, three of Ukraine’s opening four matches in Group I have been on home soil in Kiev, so it’ll be interesting to see how they fare on the road in this encounter.
Ukraine have failed to beat Croatia in their last three meetings away from home, having previously lost 4-0 and 2-0 before a 2-2 in their last meeting which was 7 years ago.
Pick: Croatia to win @ 1.61 Betfair
