Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Croatia team news: Predicted Croatia line up vs Spain – Key men return for Nations League
CROATIA are looking to kick-start their Nations League campaign when they host Spain in Zagreb on Thursday (7.45pm).
Ballon d'Or: Luka Modric receives nomination
Croatia are looking to keep alive their slim hopes of progressing to the Nations League finals when they face Spain.
Zlatko Dalic’s side have just a single point from their two matches so far and are yet to score a goal, sitting bottom of Group 4 in League A.
Croatia, who reached the World Cup final last summer, were hammered 6-0 by Spain in the reverse fixture and are looking for revenge against Luis Enrique’s side.
They require a win over La Roja and then victory against England on Sunday to secure their spot in the next round and are set to welcome back a host of first-team stars.
Lovre Kalinic, Sime Vrsaljko and Marclo Brozovic were all sidelined for the stalemate with the Three Lions but are available and should start in Zagreb.
Meanwhile, Andrej Kramaric and Mateo Kovacic are both in contention to feature while Ante Rebic should lead the line following Mario Mandzukic’s retirement.
However, the Eintracht Frankfurt frontman has just two goals in 23 international appearances so Croatia will rely heavily on the creativity of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.
Dalic has no significant injury worries ahead of the clash, unlike his counterpart Enrique.
Both Dani Carvajal and Nacho are out for Spain while Diego Costa, Thiago and Koke are unavailable.
Croatia predicted line-up vs Spain – Nations League
(4-2-3-1) Kalinic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Pivaric; Rakitic, Brozovic; Kramaric, Modric, Perisic; Rebic