Croatia vs Spain predictions: Things could again get ugly for Bilic's Blazers
Matthew Ireland
Spain are unbeaten in their last 41 internationals
Croatia have conceded 12 goals in their three Nations League matches
Recommended bet: Over 3.5 Spain goals, Lamine Yamal first goalscorer, Spain-Spain HT/FT to win @ 14/1 with LiveScore Bet
Croatia have made a habit of troubling the world's top teams over the last decade but their time as a genuine threat on the international stage appears over.
After opening their Nations League campaign with a nervy 2-1 win over Czechia, the Blazers were thumped 4-1 in Spain and then 7-0 at home to England on Saturday, meaning new boss Slaven Bilic is already under intense scrutiny after only taking charge of the national team for the second time in July.
By contrast, Spain's reign as world football's top dogs is only just beginning and La Roja will be out to complete a perfect autumn window in Split.
The latest Croatia vs Spain odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Croatia have no new injury concerns following their embarrassing 7-0 loss to England, but head coach Bilic seems certain to make wholesale changes in response to his side's abject performance.
Ferran Torres, Nico Williams and Alex Grimaldo missed Spain's win over Czechia on Saturday and are doubts.
Pau Cubarsi was rested against the Czechs and should be restored to La Roja's backline.
The stats
Spain are unbeaten in their last 41 internationals
Lamine Yamal has scored four goals in Spain's three Nations League matches
Croatia have conceded 12 goals in their three matches during the international window
Croatia have lost six of their last 10 matches
The latest Croatia vs Spain odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Spain already have one foot in the Nations League quarter-finals after three straight victories to start their campaign and they should have few issues finishing the job in Split.
Croatia were dreadful against England on Saturday, when the Three Lions ran riot in Rijeka, and another heavy defeat could be on the cards for Bilic's men on Tuesday night.
Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka cut the Croats to shreds down the flanks, which is hardly the best preparation for a meeting with Ballon d'Or favourite Lamine Yamal.
The teenage superstar has enjoyed a superb start to the season for Spain and his club Barcelona, and he has scored four goals in La Roja's first three Nations League matches, including a double in a 4-1 home win over Croatia a week ago.
He has opened the scoring in all of the world champions' three matches this window, scoring within two minutes against both England and Croatia and after only six minutes in Saturday's 3-1 success over Czechia.
England took only eight minutes to breach Croatia at the weekend and it could get ugly early if the hosts do not improve considerably.
Score prediction: Croatia 0-4 Spain
