Softfootball previews Friday’s UEFA Nations League clash between Scotland and Croatia, including predictions, team news, and potential lineups in what is a crucial fixture for both teams.
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Match Preview
Scotland hosts Croatia at Hampden Park on Friday night in a pivotal UEFA Nations League Group A1 match. For Scotland, who are at risk of relegation from League A, the stakes are high: they must win to avoid the drop, depending on results elsewhere. For Croatia, a victory or draw will secure their place in the quarter-finals if Poland does not pull off an upset against Portugal.
Scotland’s Struggle to Stay in the Top Tier
Scotland managed to put a point on the board with a resilient 0-0 draw against Portugal last month, following a series of three straight defeats to start their Nations League campaign. However, they currently sit at the bottom of Group 1, in serious danger of relegation to League B. Steve Clarke’s side has been unable to break their longest-ever winless streak at home (six matches), as well as their longest competitive winless run (10 games).
Scotland’s recent performances have been marked by missed opportunities and late heartbreak. Conceding late goals to Portugal and Poland cost them valuable points, while a first-half goal from Ryan Christie was overturned in October’s 2-1 loss to Croatia in Zagreb. Che Adams’ potential equalizer was also disallowed by VAR, adding to Scotland’s string of near misses. Now, Scotland must earn at least four points from their final two fixtures to stay in the top tier – a third-place finish would send them to a relegation playoff.
Croatia’s Quest for the Quarter-Finals
Croatia, meanwhile, has never won a game in Scotland but will arrive at Hampden Park with momentum. Goals from Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric secured their 2-1 victory over Scotland last month, putting Croatia in a strong position in the group. A subsequent 3-3 draw with Poland kept Croatia just one win away from securing a quarter-final spot. The 2023 Nations League runners-up have accrued seven points in the group, with victories over Scotland and Poland and a defeat against Portugal.
While Croatia has historically struggled in the Nations League, they’ve been on an upswing, winning seven of their last ten matches in the competition. With a scoring streak in their last 14 away matches, averaging over two goals per game, Zlatko Dalic’s side heads to Glasgow with confidence, looking to breach Scotland’s fragile defense.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Scotland has seen key players sidelined by injuries, but the return of defenders Jack Hendry, John McGinn, and Stuart Armstrong offers a boost. However, Che Adams remains out due to a thigh injury, leaving Steve Clarke to choose among Tommy Conway, Lyndon Dykes, and Lawrence Shankland for the forward role. Conway has scored five goals this season, while Shankland has managed just one after last season’s 33-goal haul. Whoever Clarke selects will be supported by McGinn and Scott McTominay, with Billy Gilmour ready to face Croatia’s star playmaker, Luka Modric.
Croatia will miss Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic due to injuries, but Modric will lead an experienced squad featuring Ivan Perisic, who has contributed directly to three goals against Scotland. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is suspended, so Augsburg’s Nediljko Labrovic will step in. On the Scottish side, 41-year-old Craig Gordon will continue in goal, covering for the injured Angus Gunn.
Expected Lineups:
Scotland Starting XI: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hendry, Robertson; McLean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Doak; Dykes
Croatia Starting XI: Labrovic; Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Sosa; Baturina, Kramaric; Matanovic
Prediction
While Croatia has the luxury of playing with freedom, knowing their qualification is within reach, Scotland feels the weight of avoiding relegation. Despite an improvement in recent performances, Scotland may face difficulty securing a much-needed win against Croatia’s skillful and experienced squad. The Tartan Army may have to wait a little longer for that elusive home victory as Croatia’s attacking prowess and depth could prove too challenging for Scotland to overcome.
