Date of Tips: 07/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (10:40 07/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Kick-off time: 19:45
Venue: Fortuna Arena, Prague
The Czech Republic welcome Croatia to the buzzing Fortuna Arena in Prague for another night of World Cup qualifiers, and both sides have plenty riding on it. The Czechs are chasing consistency, while Croatia are looking to keep that perfect qualifying record going.
Last time these two met? Croatia absolutely ran riot in Osijek — a 5-1 demolition that still stings for Czech fans. So yeah, this one’s got revenge written all over it.
The Czechs have been solid lately — unbeaten in five of their last six, and they’ve scored in all of them. Tomáš Chorý has been the man making things happen up front, and you can bet he’ll start again after that goal against Saudi Arabia in the friendly.
But they’ve got a few injury headaches. David Doudera and Tomáš Holeš are both sidelined, which means coach Ivan Hašek will likely tweak his setup a bit. Expect a compact midfield and plenty of work down the flanks, especially with Adam Hložek and Václav Černý pushing high. Speaking of Černý — the new Beşiktaş signing came off the bench to score against Montenegro last time out, and he’s surely in line to start here.
The Czechs will lean on their usual backbone: Souček’s leadership, Schick’s finishing instincts, and Jindřich Staněk’s reliability in goal.
Croatia are flying. Four wins on the spin, 19 goals scored in their last six matches. That’s outrageous form. Zlatko Dalić’s side are looking sharp, confident, and ruthless in attack.
The big names are all in. Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, and Josko Gvardiol are back, bringing that trademark mix of experience and composure. Andrej Kramarić and Ante Budimir are both red-hot in front of goal too. Real Sociedad’s Luka Sučić has recovered from injury and could feature, giving Dalić even more midfield creativity to work with.
Croatia’s 4-3-3 system has been purring lately — Modrić pulling the strings, Kovačić dictating tempo, and Perišić still terrorizing defenders down the left. You just know they’ll dominate possession.
Czech Republic: Staněk; Coufal, Zima, Brabec, Krejčí; Souček, Sadílek; Hložek, Černý, Lingr; Schick
Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Perišić, Kramarić, Budimir
This one’s not as clear-cut as the last time they met. Croatia are favorites, sure, but the Czechs are no pushovers at home. They’ve scored in every game this year and tend to raise their game under the lights in Prague.
Still, when you’ve got Croatia averaging over 3 goals per game in their last six, it’s hard to bet against them finding the net again. Kramarić is in form, Modrić keeps pulling the strings, and Perišić looks as lively as ever.
If you’re looking at betting angles, here’s where I’d start:
The Czechs will create chances — that’s a given — but Croatia’s clinical edge could make the difference.
I can see this one going back and forth. The Czechs have enough going forward to trouble Croatia, especially with Schick and Černý combining. But let’s be real — Croatia’s midfield is world-class, and that’s often where these games are won.
Expect Modrić and Kovačić to dictate tempo, and Croatia to slowly grind the Czechs down. Still, the home crowd might give the hosts that extra spark.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
Czech Republic 2 – 2 Croatia
A proper World Cup qualifier — full of energy, a few defensive slips, and plenty of chances. Both sides have goals in them, but Croatia’s defence might just be tested more than usual here.
Correct Score Prediction: Czech Republic 2 – 2 Croatia. Bet with bet365.
Looking at the numbers, it’s pretty clear — goals are coming. The Czechs have netted 12 in their last six, Croatia have bagged 19. Both sides score, both sides concede.
Over 2.5 goals feels like a safe play. If you’re feeling bold, go for Over 3.5 — these two don’t do dull games.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a combo I like for this one:
That’s your big-game Bet Builder right there. Both sides go for it, Croatia dominate possession, and Kramarić finds a way through.
Bet Builder Tip: Both teams to score, Over 3.5 goals, and Andrej Kramarić anytime scorer. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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It’s tight, but Croatia’s form makes them slight favourites. Still, the Czechs at home can surprise anyone.
Our prediction: 2-2 draw — plenty of action at both ends.
At the stunning Fortuna Arena in Prague.
Kick-off is set for 19:45 BST on Thursday, 9 October 2025.
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