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Interesting match in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers, as Kosovo will play its first ever official home game against Croatia in Group I.
The hosts actually have a pretty decent squad with all players plying their trade at (generally) low level European Clubs and recent results have been solid. After a horrible start in the first few friendlies last year, the new football nation has not lost any of the last 4 games and claimed a 1-1 draw in Finland in the first World Cup qualifier. It was a fully deserved draw and some might argue that Kosovo should have even won that game. Recent results also include a win over Faroe Islands and a draw with Albania.
Croatia was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Turkey, though they were a little bit unlucky not to win that game. Now the Croatians are under real pressure to win today, as another draw or a loss would really harm their chances to qualify from a very balanced group with the likes of Turkey, Iceland or Ukraine. Unfortunately for the visitors, they will have to get the 3 points without a number of very important players.
Bet on Kosovo – Croatia and get your 100% (100 €) welcome bonus at Ohmbet now!Team news & lineups:
Kosovo will miss Kastrati, Brahimi, Rashani and Alushi. The Croatians will have to do without Modric, Pjaca, Rakitic, Halilovic, Lovren, Leskovic and Schildenfeld.
Kosovo: Ujkani – Pardedaj, Pnishi, Rrahamani, Paqarada – Rashica, Berisha, Kryezu, Celina, Alushi – Bunjaku
Croatia: Subasic – Vrsaljko, Corluka, Vida, Strinic – Brozovic, Badelj – Kramaric, Kovacic, Perisic – Mandzukic
Croatia does miss some very important players and that will affect their level of football – particularly the absences of Modric and Rakitic being a huge hit. However, the visitors still have a lot more quality than Kosovo (projected lineup looks strong) and after the draw in the first round, they really need to win this game. Plus, Kosovo also misses some key players.
I expect a fiery and rather boring clash. Kosovo will go down fighting, but I believe they will go down. One way or the other, Croatia should find a way to claim much needed three points here. They are the better team, they have so much more experience and are motivated to achieve victory. Additionally, they are generally trustworthy to win these type of games, so I find it hard to believe that they will almost compromise their qualifying campaign in Kosovo.
My tip is Croatia to win – odds are good enough to allow us to keep the bet simple, avoiding handicaps. Prediction: Kosovo – Croatia 0-1.
Pick: Croatia
Odds: 1.55 @ Slbet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.40
Event date: 6 October
