The UEFA Nations League will see a repeat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final clash in an exciting Croatia vs France fixture of Group C on Thursday. Clubbed in the group of death France, Croatia and Portugal are fighting for the top two spots with three game-weeks to go.
After losing 2-4 to France in the first fixture, Croatia will look to right the wrongs this time. However, with the Blues remaining unbeaten in the seven official Croatia vs France fixtures so far, Luka Modric and Co. will have a realistic approach. Croatia have only managed two draws against France, losing the other five.
FRANCE
After getting held to a 0-0 draw at home by a robust Portugal side on the weekend. France would want to regain their momentum by returning to winning ways in this game. Coach Didier Deschamps has one of the most talented squads available and failing to finish atop the table will be considered a failure. To further ease the pressure off Deschamps, he will come to the Croatia clash with no major injury concerns as talismanic forwards, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are both fit and raring to go.
CROATIA
While France went goalless, Croatia shook off their poor start in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Sweden. Though not as star-studded as France on paper, Croatia boast of some of the best talents across the continent and the added motivation to stand up to a stronger outfit will also help them. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has most of his starting XI fit and available, although the suspension of Marcelo Brozovic will make things difficult.
PREDICTED XI
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Tin Jedvaj, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Borna Barisic; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric (C); Josip Brekalo, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic; Andrej Kramaric
France XI (4-3-1-2): Hugo Lloris (C); Lucas Digne, Raphael Varane, Clement, Benjamin Pavard; N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso; Antoine Griezmann; Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud
●●●
VISIT OUR BLOG TO GET YOUR FIX FOR ALL OF THE MOST CURRENT FOOTBALL NEWS STORIES & FEATURES
