Les Bleus to recover from defeat to beat Croatia
Stadion Poljud in Split will host a repeat of the last men's FIFA World Cup final when Croatia take on France in the UEFA Nations League. Both sides unexpectedly lost their openers in the pool to Austria and Denmark respectively, but Les Bleus certainly looked less shellshocked than their opponents on Monday evening. Read our preview here:
Duje, where's my Car?
The highly sought after Joško Gvardiol is unlikely to be risked for this game, so Rangers' Borna Barišić will retain his place at left-back. Head coach Zlatko Dalić will welcome back evergreen skipper Luka Modrić to the base of midfield, whilst Duje Ćaleta-Car, already familiar on a weekly basis with many of the visiting contingent in a Marseille shirt, will lead the defensive unit. The 25 year old and partner Domagoj Vida are bound to come under waves of intense pressure, and must stand a lot firmer than the side did as a whole last week.
Tchou on this
That loss to the impressive De Rød-Hvide in their own backyard leaves Didier Deschamps' charges with work to do already in order to qualify for the semi-finals. Raphaël Varane has withdrawn due to injury, precipitating a start for William Saliba in the middle of the defensive trio. Monaco's Aurélien Tchouaméni, a target for Real Madrid to join national teammate Eduardo Camavinga at the Champions League winners, will have the task of pushing back the hosts' attacking midfield horde.
Betting tip
Croatia are reeling after that shock 3-0 reverse, and France are not the side most would choose to face next as a platform to bounce back with a win. betway have odds of longer than evens (2.10) for a win for Karim Benzema and co.
