The last time these two teams met was in the League Cup six weeks ago when Westlands dominated proceedings and ran out easy victors by three goals to nil.

Yet this match, for a number of key reasons, should be a much closer affair.

First, the Reds form of late has dipped somewhat.

In fact, they remain surprisingly winless in the league having lost and drawn their last two encounters against Lions and Steel respectively.

Second, not only is Croatia on a two game winning streak, they have also bagged nine goals in the process.

A big factor behind the latter team’s success is the pairing of Matic and Joslyn-Neil up front.

Against the Blues last Sunday both players were rampant, setting up scoring opportunities for those around them whilst hitting the back of the net themselves.

Indeed, it is a pairing that has thrust Croatia to the top of the League Championship table and threatens to keep them there the entire season!

What makes this game all the more enticing, however, is the fact that United have easily the best defence in Whyalla - fast, fit, mobile and good in the air.

It is the most miserly defence in the league having only conceded a paltry five goals in the last five games.

An amazing feat.

As a consequence, if any team is going to prevent Croatia from free scoring as they have done in recent weeks it is surely United.

Whilst Croatia look impressive going forward it must be said that they do appear a little soft at the back, particularly when Biedenweg is absent from the centre.

There is no doubting that their young defenders are very courageous and talented.

Yet they are a few seasons short of being excellent and perhaps need an experienced head at the back to prevent opposing teams scoring too many soft goals through poor marking.

It is a flaw that the Red Devils’ midfield maestros of Harvey, Hayward and Edmondson - who love surging forward in order to get in amongst the goals - will surely exploit.

If these players are not quickly closed down and denied passing/shooting space, Westlands will win and win handsomely.

News from both Uniteds’ and Croatia’s clubrooms is that each team should be able to field fairly full-strength squads although Croatia’s influential midfielder Johnny Morris is doubtful having limped off last week injured.

Final verdict: Strangely, Westlands seem to play better against Croatia at Croatia Park, where the large, flat playing surface suits their excellent free-flowing running and passing game.

They are less dominant at home, on their infamous bumpy, sloping pitch.

This should make the contest a lot more even and as a consequence I predict a high scoring draw.