Croatia vs Slovakia Prediction: Euro 2020 Qualification Match on 16.11.2019

Croatia faces Slovakia at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Saturday knowing a point will likely see them qualify for Euro 2020.

Croatia sit top of Group E, four points clear of third-placed Slovakia but with just one match left to play in the group.

Slovakia on the other hand, plays host to Azerbaijan at home next Tuesday, so a win against Croatia would give them a great chance of qualification.

Wales and Hungary are also in the mix in a group that has been hard to predict throughout, with just six points separating the top four.

Team news

Croatia is expected to be without Barcelona central midfielder Ivan Rakitic who is suffering from an Achilles tendon injury.

Rakitic’s injury is unlikely to be a long term one and he is being monitored day to day, although it is unlikely he will make the starting 11.

Slovakia has not yet reported any injury problems to any members of their squad.

Prediction

World Cup finalists Croatia have not been at their absolute best throughout this qualification campaign, but still, need just a point to all but guarantee their progression to Euro 2020.

They also beat Slovakia 4-0 away from home in the reverse fixture and are unbeaten in their last five qualification matches.

Slovakia has been far more inconsistent, but good results home and away against Hungary, alongside a 5-1 defeat of Azerbaijan has kept them in with a shout.

Slovakia knows that a loss in this game is not the end of their hopes, but a draw will mean that a win in their next match against Azerbaijan will almost guarantee their qualification.

Therefore, expect Slovakia to stay tight and look for opportunities on the break against a Croatia side that likes to dominate possession.

As a result, expect a 1-1 draw that will put both sides one step closer to qualification.

Make sure to check out this prediction for Croatia vs Slovakia game.