Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.

Ireland v Croatia (Wednesday)
International Friendly
KO 19:45, Sky Sports 3

HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
16 Nov 2004 International Friendly Ireland 1-0 Croatia                
15 Aug 2001 International Friendly Ireland 2-2 Croatia               
04 Sep 1999 European Championships Croatia 1-0 Ireland                
05 Sep 1998 European Championships Ireland 2-0 Croatia              
02 Jun 1996 International Friendly Ireland 2-2 Croatia

PREVIEW
Ireland will be looking to continue their fine run of form in recent months when they meet Croatia for an international friendly at the Aviva Stadium. However, Giovanni Trapattoni will be well aware of the dangers a classy looking Croatian outfit will pose and it’ll certainly be a tough assignment for the Irish.

Matters have not been made any easier with the long list of absent players the Irish are currently dealing with. The manager has been left with just two central midfielders for the contest, although he has Man United’s Darron Gibson to call upon. Another key player for the hosts will of course be Robbie Keane, who has had a tough time of late at club level. Keane has scored 51 times in his 108 international caps and he’ll be desperate to show everyone that he has a lot more to offer in his twilight years.

Having beaten Italy 2-0 last time out, the Irish squad will still be in high spirits – even with the injury problems. That impressive victory was Ireland’s sixth in their last seven internationals and the side have recently claimed the Home Nations Cup.

Slaven Bilic has had no such troubles on the injury front and has put together a very strong squad for the game. One player that will need to be watched closely is Luka Modric, who will provide the link between midfield and attack.

Even with an almost full squad to pick from, the Croats have failed to win their past two away matches. With the draw trading at around 3.2 on the ‘Daq’, I would be inclined to back that outcome.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back the draw at around 3.2: 4 points
Monday’s Return: NO BET

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