Montenegro vs Croatia Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 17/11/25

Montenegro host Croatia at Podgorica City Stadium on Monday in their final Group L match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While the hosts aim to salvage pride, the visitors arrive in a confident mood after securing their qualification.

The showdown offers a sharp contrast. Montenegro have struggled throughout qualifying, particularly at the back. Whereas Croatia have been dominant and composed, already confirming their ticket to next summer’s World Cup.

Montenegro vs Croatia Best Bets

Montenegro vs Croatia Preview

Montenegro

Montenegro have endured a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign, picking up nine points from seven matches. But they’ve conceded 14 goals, underlining their defensive weakness. Their only recent boost came from a 2-1 win away at Gibraltar. But consistency remains elusive. At home, they’ve won two of three qualifiers.

Likely in their squad are Nikola Krstovic and Milutin Osmajic up front, supported by midfielders Andrija Bulatovic and Vasilije Adzic. He scored in the Gibraltar match. In defense, Nikola Sipcic and Marko Tuci will probably feature again, with Tuci needing to be careful as he’s on a booking.

Also Read: Germany vs Slovakia Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 17/11/25

Croatia

Croatia arrive after comfortably qualifying for the World Cup, sitting top of Group L with an unbeaten record. They have scored freely (23 goals) while conceding very little (only two), demonstrating both defensive strength and attacking quality.

Coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to field a strong side, with little reason to rotate massively given their form. Midfield maestro Luka Modric, despite his age, continues to pull the strings, and forwards like Andrej Kramaric remain central to their attacking threat.

Montenegro vs Croatia Over/ Under Predictions

Total Goals Over 3.5 @ +155 as per BetMGM:

Croatia’s firepower this qualifying campaign makes the case for a high-scoring game compelling. They have been prolific in attack, putting 23 goals past their Group L opponents while only letting in two. Montenegro’s defensive issues compound the risk.

They’ve conceded 14 across the campaign, showing they are vulnerable at the back under pressure. In their previous meeting, Croatia rolled to a 4-0 win. With nothing left to play for but pride, Montenegro may again struggle to contain Dalic’s side. A 3-1 or 4-0 type result is possible. It underlines why over 3.5 goals looks a justified bet.

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Montenegro vs Croatia Player Picks

Andrej Kramaric to score anytime @ +137 as per FanDuel:

Andrej Kramaric has been a consistent threat for Croatia in qualifiers. According to UEFA qualification stats, he has been among their leading goal-scorers. In their previous clash with Montenegro, he scored in the 51st minute to double their lead. Given his eye for goal and his habit of turning up in big moments, backing him to score at any time at +137 represents solid value.

Luka Modric to either score or assist anytime @ +137 as per FanDuel:

Luka Modric continues to anchor Croatia’s play. His influence goes beyond dictating tempo. Over the qualification cycle, he has averaged 0.34 assists per game, per UEFA back data. In the previous meeting with Montenegro, he fed the pass that led to Kristijan Jakic’s opening goal. With his creativity and vision, Modric is more than capable of picking out a key pass or scoring himself. Thus, making the +137 odds on either outcome an attractive bet.

Montenegro vs Croatia Predictions

Also Read: Erling Haaland Thrust Norway to Their Third-ever World Cup Qualification

Montenegro’s defensive frailties, especially away from home, make them unlikely to contain Dalic’s well-drilled side. At the same time, Croatia should be able to pile on the pressure. They will aim to add multiple goals through Kramaric, Modric-inspired play, and other attacking outlets.

Final Prediction: Montenegro 0-4 Croatia

Looking at recent form and historical context, a convincing away win for Croatia seems inevitable. Their dominant 4-0 win against Montenegro earlier in qualifying showed just how much control they can exert.

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.

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