Russia vs Croatia Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, preview and predictions

Our tipster thinks that the host nation's World Cup dream will be ended by Zlatko Dalic's talented team in Saturday's quarter-final clash in Sochi

The final place in the last four of World Cup 2018 will be decided when Croatia meet Russia in Sochi on Saturday evening.

Both teams came through nerve-shredding penalty shootouts to take their place in the last eight of the competition, with the host nation stunning Spain just hours before Croatia disposed of Denmark.

Croatia cruised through the group stages, winning all three of their matches, with a thumping 3-0 victory against Argentina a notable highlight for Zlatko Dalic's talented side.

Victory against Russia this weekend will see Croatia secure a World Cup semi-finals spot for the first time in 20 years and Dalic's men can be backed at 6/5 (2.20) with SportPesa to deliver.

Little was expected of Stanislav Cherchesov's hosts when this competition kicked off three weeks ago, but penalty shootout success against Spain means this tie will be contested in front of a fervent home support.

SportPesa go 57/20 (3.85) that Russia reach the semi-finals on home soil inside normal time, while the same firm offer 21/10 (3.10) that the match remains deadlocked at the end of 90 minutes.

Russia could welcome back Denis Cheryshev after the Villarreal star started as a substitute against Spain, whilst Artem Dzyuba and Fedor Smolov are competing to lead the line. Alan Dzagoev could be fit to feature for the first time since injuring his hamstring just 24 minutes into the opening match of the tournament.

Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, who saw an extra-time penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel, will pull the strings in midfield for Croatia, with the experienced Mario Mandzukic set to pose problems for the Russian defence.

Russia's determined defensive display stifled Spain and Cherchesov's side are a 2/1 (3.0) chance to keep Croatia at bay, while the same firm offer just 5/11 (1.45) that there are fewer than three goals in the game.

Creativity could hold the key to success for Croatia, for they will expect to dominate possession against the hard-working hosts and it is a quality that Dalic's team possess in abundance.

Russia ran themselves into the ground in squeezing past Spain and Croatia could represent good value at 6/5 (2.20) to end the hosts' dreams with a World Cup quarter-final victory in Sochi on Saturday night.