Croatia Face Spain in Nations League Showdown: Key Predictions, Tactical Previews, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Spain is aiming to secure a fourth consecutive victory in the UEFA Nations League as it wraps up the current international window with a trip to Croatia on Tuesday.

The world champion has been characteristically dominant in Group 3 of League A, opening with a thrilling 3–2 victory over England. Subsequent wins over Croatia and Czechia were far more convincing, however, stretching La Roja's unbeaten run to 10 games across all competitions.

After dismantling Croatia 4–1 in the first meeting, Spain heads to Split fully expecting to complete a double over their opponents. Lamine Yamal was a standout performer in that earlier clash, netting twice and adding an assist to further cement his outstanding reputation.

Slaven Bilić's second stint in charge of Croatia has been nothing short of a disaster. After a narrow victory over Czechia and a loss to Spain, the 58-year-old presided over the country's heaviest-ever defeat — a humiliating 7–0 thrashing by England on home turf. Significant improvement will be required to avoid further embarrassment against La Roja.

This match is a rematch of the 2022–23 Nations League final, which Spain claimed via a penalty shootout following 120 minutes of scoreless play.

Croatia vs. Spain Score Prediction

Spain Swats Croatia Aside

Wind the clock back a year or two and this would have been a far more competitive encounter. However, Croatia's sharp decline and woeful start under Bilić means Spain should cruise to another comfortable victory.

La Roja have been in scintillating attacking form, finding the net three or more times in every Nations League outing so far. Although a clean sheet has eluded them, a dynamic attacking unit spearheaded by Barcelona sensation Yamal has proven overwhelming for every side they've faced.

Croatia's backline, meanwhile, has been absolutely dreadful during this international break, conceding 12 goals across three fixtures. The 2018 World Cup finalist might adopt a more defensive approach on Tuesday in an attempt to shore things up, but Spain's lethal attack will be relishing the opportunity regardless.

Prediction: Croatia 1–3 Spain

Croatia Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Having fielded what was arguably his strongest available side against England, Bilić has limited options to shuffle things around ahead of Spain's visit.

Two defensive tweaks could be on the cards, with Joško Gvardiol moving to left back and Josip Šutalo partnering Luka Vušković in central defense. Ivan Smolčić may replace Josip Stanišić at right back.

After being overrun in the middle of the park against England, Luka Modrić could be dropped in favor of added defensive cover, with Mateo Kovačić forming a double pivot alongside Josip Mišić.

Igor Matanović may be handed a starting role up front, taking the place of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa.

Croatia predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Smolčić, Vušković, Šutalo, Gvardiol; Mišić, Kovačić; Vlašić, P. Sučić, Baturina; Matanović.

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Croatia

Luis de la Fuente has faced a number of selection challenges due to recent call-off withdrawals. Nico Williams, Ferran Torres, and Álex Grimaldo have all departed the squad, though their absences have opened doors for other players.

Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández stepped in to lead the attack against Czechia in Ferran's absence, though Mikel Oyarzabal is anticipated to reclaim his starting spot for the Croatia fixture.

Álex Baena is expected to continue on the left flank following Williams's exit, while Martín Zubimendi could be introduced in midfield to give Rodri a deserved breather.

Several defensive changes may also be in store. Pau Cubarsí is set to return after being rested against Czechia, with Marc Cucurella and Marc Pubill also expected to come back in at fullback.

Unai Simón is likely to reclaim the goalkeeper spot after David Raya was handed an uncommon start in the previous match.

Spain predicted lineup vs. Croatia (4-2-3-1): Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Baena; Oyarzabal.

What Time Does Croatia vs. Spain Kick Off?

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