MX23RW : Wednesday, June 23 10:43:03| >> :120:8304:8304:

How Croatia could line up against the Czech Republic

How Croatia could line up against the Czech Republic
© Reuters
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Croatia could line up for their Euro 2020 clash with the Czech Republic on Friday.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic will ponder some attacking changes for his side's second game of Euro 2020 Group D with the Czech Republic on Friday.

Following a 1-0 defeat to England on the opening matchday, Dalic should have Dejan Lovren fit and raring to go for their second game of the tournament, but left-back Borna Barisic missed the Wembley loss through injury and has also been ruled out of this one.

Inexperienced 19-year-old Josko Gvardiol ought to continue at left-back for now, while Dalic may elect to retain the centre-back pairing of Duje Caleta-Car and Domagoj Vida if no risks are taken over Lovren.

Recent reports have claimed that the Croatia coach is considering demoting Marcelo Brozovic to the bench for the clash at Hampden Park, which would see Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic form a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1.

Such a move would open up another spot in the final third for Croatia, and while competition for places in the attack is rife, one man who should keep his spot up top is experienced winger Ivan Perisic.

The other three places are all up for grabs, though, and CSKA Moscow playmaker Nikola Vlasic could benefit from Brozovic's absence to start in the number 10 role.

Andrej Kramaric and Ante Rebic - the latter of whom has only scored three goals in 39 games for his country - failed to make an impact at Wembley either, so Dalic may take a punt on Josip Brekalo and Bruno Petkovic from the start this week.

Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Brekalo, Vlasic, Perisic; Petkovic

> Click here to see how the Czech Republic could line up for this clash

ID:451598:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4186:

How you voted: Croatia vs Czech Republic

Croatia
59.4%
Draw
24.0%
Czech Republic
16.6%
1158
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Euro 2020 banner Instagram AMP
Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates in front of a fire engine and crew on June 1, 2021
Read Next:
Croatia Euro 2020 preview - prediction, fixtures, squad, star player
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Euro 2020 fixtures
Todays Game Header Right
Tables

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!