The UEFA Nations League encounter between Scotland and Croatia in Group 1 League A is set to take place on November 15 at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Scotland vs. Croatia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel)
Matches – 11 (International fixtures, 2023–2024);
Yellow cards (including second yellows) shown – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 4;
Fouls on average per match – 23;
Penalty rate – 9%.
Predicted Lineups for Scotland vs. Croatia
Scotland (4-2-3-1): Craig Gordon – Andrew Robertson, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Anthony Ralston – Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean – Scott McTominay, Ben Doak, Ryan Christie – Lyndon Dykes.
Croatia (3-4-3): Nediljko Labrović – Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo – Borna Sosa, Ivan Perišić, Petar Sučić, Luka Modrić – Martin Baturina, Igor Matanović, Andrej Kramarić.
Scotland National Team
Steve Clarke's side earned their first points of the current Nations League campaign last round, playing out a goalless draw with Portugal at home. Prior to that, the Scots suffered three consecutive defeats, albeit by a single goal margin. Scotland is currently at the bottom of Group 1, and if they earn fewer points than Poland in the fifth round, they will be directly relegated to League B. A failure to win would also eliminate their chances of qualifying for the Nations League playoffs.
- Scotland's winless streak in this tournament stands at five matches (2 draws and 3 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Scotland's last 9 Nations League matches.
- The team has scored in 9 out of their last 10 home matches in the Nations League.
Croatia National Team
The Balkan team had a disappointing start to the current tournament, losing away to Portugal (1-2). However, they have not lost since, defeating Poland (1-0) and Scotland (2-1) at home, and then sharing points with Poland away (3-3). Zlatko Dalić's men have a great chance of reaching the Nations League finals, but they need to gain at least as many points as the Poles this round, who could still overtake Croatia in the standings. Forward Ante Budimir and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković will miss the match due to suspensions.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 6 of Croatia's last 8 Nations League games.
- Croatia has not lost in 90 minutes in 10 of their last 11 matches (6 wins and 4 draws).
- Three or more goals have been scored in regular time in 9 of Croatia's last 11 Nations League encounters.
Scotland vs. Croatia Prediction
Steve Clarke's charges will pull out all the stops to remain in the elite division. It's not an easy task, as they need to avoid defeat in this encounter and then beat Poland in a head-to-head clash, and all this on Polish soil. Additionally, Poland must also drop points in Portugal. The chances are slim, but not entirely elusive, especially considering that the Croatians may well be satisfied with a draw and even a loss in this game – provided that the Portuguese overcome the Poles in the group's parallel match.
Scotland has always been known for their resilience on home soil. In the Nations League, they have played 10 matches at home and lost only once, securing 7 victories and 2 draws. Even Portugal experienced how tough the Scots can be in Glasgow – 0:0. The Croatians, on the other hand, have yet to win away in the current Nations League (1 draw and 1 loss). I'll also note that the Balkans will miss their main goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, who is out due to suspension. Therefore, my prediction is for a Scotland win or draw