Jonty’s picks

The Uefa Nations League continues this week, with Spain’s trip to Croatia this evening an intriguing prospect in Group 4. Spain suffered a setback in their last match, losing 3-2 at home to England, but are still in pole position to qualify for the semifinals. Victory over Croatia in Zagreb will guarantee them that last four spot, and a draw will virtually make them safe, given their goal difference on the back of a 6-0 hammering of Croatia at home on September 11.

A win for Croatia, however, would make the group wide open, with the winner of the England-Croatia game on November 18 then securing a place in the semifinals.

They are a formidable outfit on their day, with stars like Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic lighting up the World Cup in Russia. If Croatia can take control of the midfield area like they did in the World Cup semifinal against England, for example, they have a chance, but I am still backing Luis Enrique’s side to take this one. Pool Name - S6 V1 P2 M1: Austria v Bosnia & Herzegovina. Home win. TIP: Austria win = 1 M2: Belgium v Iceland. Belgian brilliance. TIP: Belgium win = 1 M3: Croatia v Spain. Previewed above. TIP: Spain win = 3 M4: Germany v Russia. Germans to find a win. TIP: Germany win = 1 M5: Greece v Finland. Greek glory. TIP: Greece win = 1 M6: Republic Of Ireland v Northern Ireland. Victory for the home side.

TIP: Republic of Ireland win = 1