The third matches of Nations League qualifying group three take place on Sunday at 17:00 with Croatia taking on Sweden at the Stadion Maksimir stadium, both teams are without a win so far in the competition.
Sweden and Croatia both come in off of the back of 2-1 friendly wins against Russia and Switzerland respectively, both teams have been drawn into arguably the toughest group in the competition with current Nation League title holders and Euro 2016 winners Portugal and World Cup 2018 winners France.
Either side has struggled in the competition so far with two losses each, Croatia seem to have had it worse as they have conceded eight goals in two games but Sweden are no better off having not scored a single goal.
Head to head
These two teams last clashed back in a friendly in 2012 which ended in Sweden's only win against Croatia (3-1) out of the four times they have faced each other. Sweden do not have Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score for them now and Croatia will be hoping that they can pick up another win against Janne Andersson's men.
Players to watch
Croatia - Ivan Perišić 🇭🇷 Veteran left sided winger Perišić has performed well so far for domestic side Inter Milan with one assist and has started their first three games where they remain unbeaten in the league in fourth position. The Champions League winner had a productive loan spell at Bayern Munich where he scored eight goals including three in Europe as the "Bavarians" conquered the continent. Twenty six goals in ninety one Croatia appearances labels him as one of the key men in the side along with fellow national treasure Luka Modrić.
Sweden - Dejan Kulusevski 🇸🇪 The 20 year old Juventus winger is one of the most talented youngsters in Italy right now. After a successful campaign for Parma the now "Old Lady" player will be attempting to lead his national side to their first win and collect their first points and should he play will be making only his third international appearance for Sweden. Nineteen goal involvements in thirty six Serie A appearances makes him a threat to the Croatian defence and someone who should be closely monitored during the game and in the coming years of his career.
Managers thought's
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić spoke to the press about the need to change up his side due to the demand in fixtures his team face "We have two games in three days, which due to the conditions we will not be able to play with the same team and we will look for the best solutions".
Janne Andersson on the other hand spoke highly of Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak "If we play with Alexander Isak, he is a very skilful football player who fits into how we play. He is quite similar to Robin (Quaison), a forward who should both be able to hold up the ball for us but also threaten in behind."
Preview analysis
This will be a vital fixture as we have already concluded previously, Croatia will be looking to fix their leaky defence and will be hoping that Josip Brekalo and Bruno Petkovic will continue to provide them with goals. Their positive result against a strong Switzerland side may set them up for a win however even with history in their favour they will need to be ready. This fixture will be a very entertaining one as though Sweden are out of goalscoring form they are managing to create chances with eighteen created in their last three games, the result is there for the taking.
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