Scotland vs Croatia Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Croatia have endured an indifferent 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign but should still qualify for the quarter-finals as they now take on a poor Scotland side in Glasgow.
Kick-off date/time: Friday 15th November, 2024: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – FOX Sports streaming platforms
Scotland Preview: SORRY SCOTS
Steve Clarke has helped Scotland qualify for each of the last two UEFA European Championships but the Tartan Army have significantly underperformed ever since their 2-0 defeat of Spain during the March international break of 2023.
The Scots come into this one on the back of a much-needed improved performance with a goalless draw against Portugal last month at Hampden Park. That means they have managed just one win in their last 16 matches since September 2023.
Croatia Preview: AGEING CROATS
Ever since reaching the final of 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Croatian national team have endured a topsy turvy few years with manager Zlatko Dalic perhaps too loyal to an ageing, albeit talented, generation.
There is an emerging generation of Croatian talent coming through the ranks but it remains to be seen as to when things will begin to evolve on the pitch. They most recently shared a 3-3 draw with Poland at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Scotland Team News: COUPLE OF INJURIES
Both Angus Gunn and James Forrest are out injured for this week and Lewis Ferguson has remained absent from the squad despite returning from an ACL injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; Gilmour, McLean; Christie, McTominay, Doak; Adams
UNAVAILABLE: Gunn (Injured), Forrest (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
Croatia Team News: LIVAKOVIC SUSPENSION
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is missing through suspension after being sent off in that aforementioned 3-3 draw against Poland in Warsaw last month.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Ivusic; Sutalo, Erlic, Gvardiol; Perisic, Modric, Sucic, Sosa; Baturina, Matanovic, Kramaric
UNAVAILABLE: Livakovic (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
Scotland vs Croatia Prediction
This game is expected to be a low-scoring clash at Hampden Park. Scotland have a limited set of players with very little by way of talent or general quality but they do have some solid midfielders that can make lift difficult for better sides coming to Hampden Park. Croatia will be expected to sit back and be defensive themselves with very few attacking patterns of play so whilst the Croats are favourites, it is expected to be a low-scoring encounter in Glasgow.
Scotland vs Croatia Tip: CROATIA TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
