As we look ahead to Wednesday’s Euro 2024 Group B showdown between Croatia and Albania at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, our soccer betting expert provides top predictions and betting tips for this crucial match.


Both teams are under pressure after losing their opening matches of the tournament, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.


### Croatia vs Albania Betting Tips


1. **Double Chance - Albania or Tie @ +162 with bet365**

2. **Rey Manaj to score or assist @ +275 with bet365**

3. **Under nine corners in the match @ +100 with bet365**


*All odds are provided by bet365, accurate at the time of publishing, and subject to change.*


### Albania Could Pull Off a Surprise in Hamburg


Croatia, who reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, were handed a heavy 3-0 defeat by Spain in their Group B opener. This loss has raised questions about whether Zlatko Dalic's squad can compete at the highest level in this tournament.


The Vatreni have now suffered three defeats in their last five competitive matches, a stark contrast to their previous run of just three losses in 29 games. Their recent form includes losses to Turkey and Wales at the end of their qualifying campaign, indicating potential vulnerabilities.


In contrast, Albania put up a strong fight against Italy, netting the fastest goal in European Championship history through Nedim Bajrami after just 23 seconds, before eventually losing 2-1. This was Albania's first competitive defeat in over a year, following an impressive qualifying campaign where they topped their group ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland.



Given the performances of both teams in their opening matches, Albania seems capable of securing at least a draw in this contest, which would be significant for their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of a major international tournament for the first time.


### Tip 1: Double Chance - Albania or Tie @ +162 with bet365


### Manaj's Potential Impact


Despite scoring early against Italy, Albania struggled to maintain their offensive threat until Rey Manaj entered as a substitute and nearly equalized late in the game. 


The Sivasspor striker is in excellent form, having scored 18 goals in the Turkish Super Lig this season—only Mauro Icardi and Edin Dzeko scored more. Manaj also contributed to 25 goals across all competitions for his club during the 2023/24 season. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Manaj is well-equipped to influence the match against Croatia.


### Tip 2: Rey Manaj to score or assist @ +275 with bet365


### Few Corners Expected


Despite having more possession, shots, and penalty box touches than Spain, Croatia did not win a single corner in their opening match. Similarly, Albania managed only three corners against Italy. 


During the qualifying rounds, Albania averaged just 2.6 corners per game, while Croatia averaged 5.8, neither of which is particularly high. This suggests that betting on under nine corners in the match could be a wise choice.


### Tip 3: Under nine corners in the match @ +100 with bet365