Date of Tips: 10/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:50 10/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: 12/10/25
Kick-off time: 19:45
Venue: Anđelko Herjavec – Varteksa Stadium
Well, here we go again. Croatia are back on home turf, and this one looks like a straight mismatch on paper. The group leaders host rock-bottom Gibraltar in Varaždin, and honestly, anything other than a big home win would be a huge shock.
Croatia have been flying through World Cup qualification so far — unbeaten after five matches, sitting on 13 points, and boasting a monster goal difference of +16. Gibraltar, on the other hand, are still waiting for their first point, having conceded 17 and scored just two. That’s rough.
So, is this going to be another routine night for the 2018 World Cup finalists, or can Gibraltar put up some kind of resistance? Let’s take a look.
Croatia’s recent form has been solid as ever. They drew 0-0 away to the Czech Republic last time out, which ended their winning streak, but it was still a composed performance. They dominated possession (58%) and looked sharp in midfield, even if they couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Zlatko Dalić’s side has been a model of consistency. The back line led by Gvardiol has conceded just once in the entire campaign, and the attack — spearheaded by Kramarić, Budimir, and the evergreen Perišić — keeps delivering goals. Luka Modrić might not cover the same ground he used to, but his passing and control still set the tone for everything Croatia do.
At home, they’ve been unbeatable. Two games, two wins, zero goals conceded. The crowd in Varaždin will expect another dominant night, and Croatia usually deliver when the pressure’s on. Expect them to come flying out of the blocks.
Now, here’s where it gets tricky for Gibraltar. They’ve had a nightmare run — five defeats from five, and the numbers don’t lie. Two goals scored, 17 conceded, and barely a shot on target in some games. Their 1-0 loss to the Faroe Islands last time out was a real blow because that was a match they probably had circled as a chance to grab points.
Gibraltar’s plan here is pretty straightforward: defend deep, stay organised, and hope to catch Croatia off guard on the counter. But that’s easier said than done. They’ve struggled to keep their shape against technically superior teams, and once they concede the first goal, things tend to unravel fast.
It’s also worth noting that their away record is awful — they’ve lost both qualifiers on the road without scoring. And going to face Croatia, a team that’s scored 17 and let in one, is about as tough as it gets.
Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Gvardiol, Erlić, Sosa; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Perišić, Kramarić, Budimir.
Gibraltar: Coleing; Chipolina, Sergeant, Annesley, Olivero; Ronan, Walker; Casciaro, De Barr, Valarino; Wiseman.
You might remember what happened the last time these two met — Croatia ran riot in Gibraltar, winning 7-0. Yeah, seven. It was total domination from start to finish. They had 30 shots, 13 on target, and 70% of the ball.
The goal scorers? Pašalić, Budimir, Ivanović, Perišić, and Kramarić — all getting their names on the sheet. It was one of those games where Gibraltar just couldn’t get out of their own half.
Overall, Croatia have won both meetings between these sides without conceding. The total score across the two games? 9-0. It’s about as one-sided as it gets.
Here’s what I think — Croatia will win, no doubt about it. The question is just how big the scoreline will be.
Gibraltar might hold out for 15 or 20 minutes if they defend deep, but once Croatia get that first goal, it’s probably lights out. Dalić’s side know goal difference could still matter in the group, so don’t expect them to ease off.
Betting angles worth a look:
If you’re feeling bold, you could even go Croatia -3 handicap. They’ve been blowing teams away at home, and this could easily turn into another five-goal night.
So, what’s the call? Honestly, it’s hard to see anything other than a Croatia landslide. They’re stronger in every area — technically, physically, tactically — and they’re at home. Gibraltar will fight, sure, but the gap is massive.
You can expect Croatia to control the ball, push forward in waves, and eventually wear Gibraltar down. The visitors might get one or two counters, but breaking through this Croatian defence feels like a long shot.
Match Prediction: Croatia to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re looking for a correct score bet, I’d go big. Croatia love putting on a show at home, and Gibraltar’s defence hasn’t been able to cope with quick, technical sides. Thus, our Croatia vs Gibraltar score prediction is a comfortable 5-0 win for the home side.
Correct Score Prediction: Croatia 5-0 Gibraltar. Bet with bet365.
The numbers scream goals. Croatia have scored 17 in qualifying, while Gibraltar have conceded that exact same number. Over 3.5 feels like the safe play, but if you want better odds, Over 4.5 isn’t far-fetched at all.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a Croatia vs Gibraltar Bet Builder I like for Sunday night:
That’s your all-action combo. Croatia control the game, bag a few goals, and keep another clean sheet.
Bet Builder Tip: Croatia to Win, Over 3.5 Goals, BTTS No, Kramarić Anytime Scorer.. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Croatia are huge favourites. They should win easily at home.
Expect goals. A 5-0 Croatia win looks likely.
At the Anđelko Herjavec – Varteksa Stadium in Varaždin, Croatia.
Unlikely. Croatia’s defence is watertight, and Gibraltar rarely score.
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