Wales v Croatia Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Cardiff City Stadium - Euro 2020 Qualifier

Wales host Croatia in a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier, with Ryan Giggs' side in strong need of a win to keep their qualification hopes alive in Cardiff.

Past Meetings

Croatia won the home leg of this fixture back in June, with a 2-1 victory in Zagreb thanks to an own goal from Tom Lawrence and one for midfielder Ivan Perisic.

Croatia are unbeaten in all five of their meetings with Wales.

Team News

The big news for Wales is that Gareth Bale has shaken off a minor injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw in Slovakia a few days ago. Aaron Ramsey missed that game through injury, and he is expected to replace Jonny Williams after recovering - with Ethan Ampadu also passed fit.

Croatia withdrew their key midfield trio of Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Moddric, in the 3-0 win over Hungary last week, but all are expected to start in Cardiff.

Wales v Croatia Preview and Predictions

Wales' qualification hopes for Euro 2020 are certainly hanging in the balance, following their disappointing draw away in Slovakia last week. Giggs' side are now fourth in Group E, four points off a qualification place, but they do have a game in hand on both Slovakia and Croatia as it stands.

The 2018 World Cup finalists are leading the way in the group, and a win in Cardiff would see them secure qualification to the tournament, with two games to spare. Manager Zlatko Dalic has kept faith with his experienced squad, and they are expected to give the hosts plenty of problems at the Cardiff City Stadium.

With Wales so desperate for a good result, it is difficult to see them losing at home in this clash, with a more reasonable draw priced at 23/10. The hosts will not want to venture out too much, given the quality available to their visitors, with Croatia scoring eight goals in their last three games. With that in mind, this one should be a low scorer - with an under 2.5 total goals scored bet available at 8/13.

Recommended Bets

A 1-1 draw at 5/1

Despite Croatia being the best side in the group, Wales know that a defeat in this game would leave them in a very difficult position to qualify for Euro 2020.

Gareth Bale to score anytime 8/5

Bale netted Wales' winner in the 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan back in September, and if ever there was a time when Wales needed him to step up and produce some magic, it is in this game.