Croatia vs Armenia prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-11-20 19:45.
Croatia will qualify for a sixth consecutive UEFA European Championship if they can defeat Armenia for a second time after reclaiming second place in Group D with a resounding 2-0 win in Latvia. Should they fail to win, the Croatians will have to hope they stay ahead of Wales on points due to an inferior head-to-head record, or they'll have to settle for the play-offs in March.
The hosts have already dropped points at home to group leaders Turkey (L 1-0) and top-two challengers Wales (D 1-1) in this qualification cycle, so there is no guarantee of home advantage being converted into three points. That rings especially true as the Armenians held out for a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Velika Gorica over two years ago when the hosts were preparing for the delayed Euro 2020.
Armenia’s 1-1 draw at home to Wales last time out ensured they won’t be in Germany next summer, meaning their wait for a first-ever major tournament appearance goes on. That was another blow for head coach Oleksandr Petrakov, who also oversaw Ukraine's elimination from 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying at the hands of Wales 12 months ago.
Whilst Armenia were always outside contenders to make a maiden European Championship, they’ll aim here to bring to a positive end a disappointing 2023 that also saw them relegated from their first appearance in UEFA Nations League B. A 4-2 win in Wales earlier this year was the standout highlight of this particular competition, not least because it was their only win of their last 15 away internationals (D5, L9).
Players to watch: Andrej Kramarić scored in four of his five games in this qualification cycle, and with three goals inside the first 30 minutes, he'll need to be closely marked from the outset. Similarly, Lucas Zelarayán scored Armenia's opening goal in their two qualifiers against Wales in which they took points from both (W1, D1).
Hot streak: Armenia have played out 16 consecutive matches without a clean sheet.