Croatia vs Montenegro prediction, H2H and probable lineups, September 8, 2025

The highly anticipated World Cup qualifying clash between Croatia and Montenegro takes place on September 8, 2025, at the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb. With both teams aiming for qualification, this match stands out as a crucial European fixture, especially for a Montenegro side seeking a turnaround in form.

Key Match Facts

• Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20:45 CEST

• Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

• Primary Keyword: Croatia vs Montenegro prediction

• Qualification Stakes: Croatia looks to extend their perfect record; Montenegro to revive their campaign.

Head-to-Head (H2H) & Recent Form

• H2H Record: This is the first official competitive meeting between Croatia and Montenegro.

• Croatia’s Recent Qualifier Results:

  • Three consecutive qualifying victories

  • Recent wins: 7-0 vs Gibraltar, 5-1 vs Czech Republic, 1-0 vs Faroe Islands

• Montenegro’s Recent Results: Struggling for form after a strong start, with several losses in recent qualifiers.

Statistical Comparison

• Croatia has scored in 80% and kept a clean sheet in 40% of recent home games.

• Montenegro have failed to score in 50% of their recent away games.

Probable Lineups

Croatia Predicted XI:

• Livakovic; Jakic, Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sosa; Modric, Sucic; Perisic, Kramaric, Pasalic; Budimir.

Montenegro Predicted XI:

• Petkovic; M. Vukcevic, Savic, Vujacic, A. Vukcevic; Jankovic, Bulatovic, Brnovic; Vukotic, Krstovic, Jovetic.

Team News

• Croatia:

  • Doubtful: Kovacic, Gvardiol, and Stanisic (fitness checks ongoing).

  • Modric and Perisic are expected to start after being managed in recent fixtures.

• Montenegro:

  • Major absentees: Osmajic, Nikic, Radunovic, and Marusic (all injured).

  • Veteran Jovetic leads the attack.

Odds & Betting Tips

• Bookmakers price Croatia as clear favorites: Odds as low as 1.22–1.26 for a home win, giving Croatia an implied win probability of over 80%.

• Draw: Priced at 5.75.

• Montenegro win: Outsider odds up to 14.60.

• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over is favored, with a 67% historical rate for similar fixtures.

Key Betting Insights

• Croatia averaged over 4 goals per game in qualifiers, conceding less than 1 per game.

• Montenegro have struggled defensively, with 90% of their recent games seeing them concede at least one goal.

• Strong chance of a Croatia clean sheet and multi-goal margin.

Score Prediction

Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Montenegro

• Croatia’s blend of veteran leadership and attacking depth, plus home advantage, makes them strong favorites.

• Montenegro’s depleted squad faces an uphill challenge; scoring even once would be a notable achievement given current form and absences.

Best Bet: Croatia to win to nil, and over 2.5 goals if seeking more value.

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Essential Takeaways

• Croatia are overwhelming favorites to secure a vital win on home soil.

• Modric and Perisic’s return boosts Croatia’s lineup strength.

• Montenegro’s injury woes severely reduce upset potential.

• Backing a routine Croatia victory—likely by multiple goals with a clean sheet—is strongly supported by all key stats.