UEFA Nations League team news and prediction: Croatia vs France
Croatia face France for the second time since their 2018 World Cup final meeting. The runners' up in Russia will be looking to avoid a third successive 4-2 loss at the hands of the World Champions and build on Sunday's win over Sweden.
In the build up to this clash, we have all your need-to-know match info in one place, including when kick off is, where you can watch it, as well as team news, probable XIs and predicted scoreline.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 14th October, 19:45 GMT
Where is the match?
Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Football - Via the Red Button
2020/21 So Far
France sit second in Group 3 having picked up seven points from their three matches so far. A 0-0 draw with group toppers with Portugal last week means they didn't lose ground in their quest to finish first and after wins over Sweden and Croatia, they'll be looking to do the double over the Vatreni.
Croatia made a shocking start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, following up their 4-1 loss to Portugal with a 4-2 defeat in France. However, they made amends in the second international break of the season, landing a 2-1 win over Sweden to move off the foot of Group 3.
Team News
Croatia's win over Sweden came at a cost with key midfield man Marcelo Brozovic suspended after his booking on the stroke of half time. That may see Luka Modric, who usually players behind the strikers, drop into a deeper midfield role and Mario Pasalic come into the side. Ante Rebic and Sime Vrsaljko are injured, while Zlatko Dalic could look to manage fitness levels accordingly and bring Domagoj Vida, Tin Jedvaj and Borna Barisic into the side.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has no further injury issues following the 0-0 draw with Portugal. Dayot Upamecano is ruled out, as is Leo Dubois after he tested positive for Coronavirus. Like opposite number Dalic, Deschamps could make a couple of changes to the side that started Sunday's stalemate with the current European champions, with Lucas Digne, Eduardo Camavinga and Anthony Martial pushing for starts.
Probable XIs
Croatia (4312) - Livakovic; Jedvaj, Lovren, Vida, Barisic; Vlasic, Kovacic, Modric; Pasalic; Perisic, Petkovic
France (4312) - Lloris; Pavard, Kimpembe, Varane, Digne; Sissoko, Kante, Pogba; Griezmann; Giroud, Mbappe
Key Battle - Luka Modric vs Paul Pogba
At 35 years of age, Luka Modric is in the twilight years of his career, but his performances for club and country this season prove there is life in the old dog yet. While he may be forced to drop into a deeper role than the one he is accustomed to for Croatia, Modric has the means to dominate proceedings in midfield and he'll be expected to do so against a sub-par Paul Pogba.
The Manchester United man, like his club side, have struggled for form in the opening weeks of the season with Pogba yet to make a key pass for the Premier League outfit. Despite being out of form, the 27-year-old is more than capable of turning a game in his side's favour when the opportunity is required and a repeat of his man of the match display from the 2018 World Cup final would certainly go down well here as France look to overhaul Portugal at the top of Group 3.
Prediction: Croatia 0-1 France
