Latvia vs Croatia predictions for Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier. Can Croatia boost their automatic qualification hopes with a win over struggling Latvia ahead of their final and decisive group game? Can the Croats bounce back from Wales’ defeat? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 18th November at 5:00 pm In:
Latvia vs Croatia Predictions
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Tactical Tussle: Croatia’s Quest for Redemption against Latvia’s Resilience
Key Stats
– Latvia: Goals per game: 0.7, Clean sheets: 1, Average possession: 32.4%
– Historical Edge: Croatia have beaten Latvia to nil in their last four meetings
In a pivotal Euro 2024 qualifying encounter, Croatia face Latvia in a match that could define their path to the European Championship finals. This detailed analysis examines the tactical styles, player performances, and managerial strategies of both teams, offering insights into what could unfold in this critical clash.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Modric’s influence on the field goes beyond orchestrating play from midfield. His ability to make late runs into the box and strike from distance adds a layer of threat that Latvia will have to be wary of. His shots per game average of 1.8, although not leading to goals this season, underscores his tendency to be in goal-scoring positions. Given Latvia’s defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by their conceding 17 goals in 7 matches, Modric will find opportunities to break his goal drought.
The current odds offered by Bet365, at 7/4 for Modric to score anytime – boosted from the initial 7/6 – present an enticing value bet. This boost reflects the potential for Modric, a player of his calibre, to find the net against a weaker Latvian side.
It’s a reflection of the quality and threat he possesses, particularly in a match where Croatia, with their superior attacking prowess, are expected to dominate.
In conclusion, betting on Luka Modric to score anytime is not only a testament to his enduring quality but also a strategic choice given Croatia’s offensive setup against a defensively frail Latvia. With Bet365’s boosted odds, this bet offers significant value, taking into account the dynamics of the match and Modric’s role in Croatia’s attacking plans. Please note, odds are subject to change and betting should always be done responsibly.
Croatia’s Redemption Journey
Croatia, with a celebrated history in major tournaments, find themselves in a precarious position in Group D. Their recent losses to Turkey and Wales have derailed their automatic qualification hopes, leaving them reliant on other results. Under Zlatko Dalic’s management, the team has exhibited a blend of experienced skill and emerging talent. However, the lack of consistency and recent defensive lapses have raised questions about their tactical adaptability. The key will be how they leverage their dominant possession game and whether they can exploit Latvia’s defensive vulnerabilities.
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Latvia’s Uphill Battle Latvia, anchored at the bottom of the group, face a formidable opponent in Croatia. Coach Dainis Kazakevics has a monumental task to inspire a side that has shown resilience but lacks the cutting-edge in attack. Their recent win over Armenia was a glimmer of hope, but consistency remains their Achilles’ heel. Latvia’s strategy might revolve around a robust defensive setup, aiming to frustrate the Croatians and capitalise on any counter-attacking opportunities.
Strategic Analysis: Key Duels and Gameplay Predictions The midfield battle will be crucial, with Croatia’s experienced players like Luka Modric orchestrating the play. Latvia’s ability to disrupt this rhythm and launch quick counter-attacks could be pivotal. The flanks might also play a significant role, with Croatia’s wide players expected to stretch Latvia’s defence.
Our Take: Controversial Aspects Critics might argue that Croatia’s golden generation is past its prime, yet dismissing them could be premature. They possess the quality to turn around their fortunes. On the other hand, Latvia’s lack of firepower upfront and defensive frailties make them underdogs, but underestimating their fighting spirit could be a mistake.
Highly Opinionated Suggestions and Critiques:
- Croatia’s strategy under Dalic has been questioned for its predictability and over-reliance on veteran players. A tactical refresh might be necessary to revitalise the team.
- Latvia under Kazakevics needs to find a balance between defence and attack. Their conservative approach might need tweaking to introduce more dynamism upfront.
Expected Goals Analysis: Croatia’s expected goals average stands higher than Latvia’s, indicating their greater attacking threat. Latvia’s lower average suggests a need for more creative attacking play to challenge Croatia’s defence.
Predictions:
- Win-Draw-Away Market: Croatia to Win – Their superior technical quality and experience make them favourites against a struggling Latvian side.
- Correct Score Prediction: Croatia 4-0 Latvia – Considering Croatia’s potent attack and Latvia’s defensive issues, a comfortable win for Croatia seems likely.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Andrej Kramaric to Score – As the leading scorer for Croatia in the qualifiers, he’s likely to find the net against Latvia.
- Corner Prediction: Croatia to Have More Corners – Their attacking style and ball possession are expected to result in more corners.
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