Croatia vs Scotland Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 12, 2024

Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Nations League
• Date: Saturday, Oct 12
• Kick-off Time: 05:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Croatia

Croatia’s national football team will play host to Scotland in the group-stage clash of the Nations League campaign at the Stadion Maksimir. Both teams had a polar opposite start to the Nations League campaign and are looking for a win for very different reasons.

Despite their drastic run in the European Championships this summer, Croatia’s national football team appeared to be in good shape heading into Euro 2024. Zlatko Dalić’s side have opened the tournament with a 2-1 loss to Portugal but have managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Poland in the last game. The hosts are a real force to be reckoned with at home and arrive in this match placed number 12th in the FIFA World ranking.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s national football team started their Nations League campaign on a poor note and have sustained two back-to-back losses. Steve Clarke’s side have won just once in any of their last 14 appearances on the international stage.

Croatia national football team news

Croatia will be without the services of defenders Marin Pongračić and Josip Šutalo in this tie. Dinamo marksman Bruno Petković is expected to lead the attack for the home side.

Scotland national football team news

Meanwhile, Scotland has a huge injury list and have ruled out several players in this tie. Players like Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Nathan Patterson have been left out due to their respective injuries whereas Aston Villa captain John McGinn remains out with his hamstring injury.

Croatia vs Scotland Predicted Lineups

Croatia national football team predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Goalkeeper: Livaković

Defenders: Erlić, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol

Midfielders: Jakić, Modrić, Kovačić, Sučić, Sosa

Forwards: Matanović, Petković

Scotland national football team predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Gunn

Defenders: Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson

Midfielders: Gilmour, McClean, McTominay

Forwards: Christie, Doak; Dykes

Also Read: Ukraine vs Georgia Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Nations League, October 11, 2024

Head-to-Head

The two sides have faced off only six times in the past, with Scotland winning two of those games. Croatia managed only one whereas the remaining three games ended in a draw.

Last five matches result:

Key Players to Watch out in Croatia vs Scotland

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

Real Madrid midfielder and national team captain Luka Modric heads into what is likely his final international tournament with the Croatia national team. The 39-year-old legend is regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time and became the oldest player in the European Championships to score a goal this summer.

Scott McTominay (Scotland)

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has taken Italian football by storm since his highly-anticipated move to Napoli from Manchester United. He is expected to play a starring role for the Tartan Army in the Nations League.

Croatia vs Scotland Prediction

Croatia’s national football team has made a decent start to their Nations League campaign, as they have picked up three points from their two opening fixtures. The runners-up of the previous edition of the summer tournament will now play their second home game against Scotland. Zlatko Dalic’s side snatched a 1-0 victory at home against Poland and will want another crack at the trophy this year.

Scotland’s national football team has made a poor start to their Nations League campaign and will not have a better chance to return to winning ways than this tie. The visiting side are winless in their two opening games but are expected to secure a hard-fought three points.

Predicted Score: Croatia 1-2 Scotland 

Also Read: Finland vs Ireland Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 10, 2024

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