Scotland vs Portugal Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 15, 2024

Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Nations League
• Date: 15th October, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Kick-off time: 6:45 PM GMT
• Venue: Hampden Park (Scotland)

An in-form Portugal flies to Hampden Park to take on Scotland in a UEFA Nations League encounter following an impressive 3-1 win over Poland in the fortress of Warsaw. Cristiano Ronaldo’s country currently tops League A Group 1, clinching three consecutive victories against the rest members of the group. On the other hand, Scotland, having lost their previous three games in the group, are into a survival battle for now. Here we bring you Scotland vs Portugal prediction, preview, team news, and predicted scoreline.

Scotland will face the Selecao after falling to a 1-2 loss against Croatia, despite putting in a valiant effort in the entire match. Ryan Christie broke the deadlock for the visitors on Saturday evening, but Andrej Kramaric and Igor Matanovic guided the Croatians to a thrilling victory. With Nations League quarter-finals fading away from the sights, Steve Clarke’s men will now look to turn the tides in their favor by dismantling high-flying Portugal.

A win at Hampden Park means Roberto Martinez’s side will book a spot in the last eight of the tournament. With the main man of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo firing on almost every occasion, the 2016 UEFA Euro winners would look to seal the deal on Tuesday evening. The former Real Madrid superstar is not content with only 900 career goals but also has set his sights on the 1000 mark. And a goal against Poland made it sure that he just needed 94 more goals to become the first footballer in history to achieve the unthinkable feat. The Selecao defeated Scotland in their previous meeting and will aim to repeat that result this time around.

Scotland National Football Team News

Scotland manager Steve Clarke will be a relieved man ahead of their important clash against Portugal as his team has not dealt with any fresh injuries. Prior to the Croatia match, goalkeeper Angus Gunn was ruled out of the entire Nations League due to an unknown injury along with Greg Taylor and Lawrence Shankland. Andrew Robertson is expected to make it to the starting lineup against Portugal.

Portugal National Football Team News

Portugal is probably the least injury-prone team in the Nations League as they are cruised through the tournament unscathed. The only injury issue Roberto Martinez faced was the Sporting Lisbon center-back pulling out with an injury last month. Chelsea’s Renato Veiga would once again start ahead of Antonio Silva, given the former’s great display at Warsaw. With the current squad in form, it’s unlikely to see any changes in the Portuguese squad on Tuesday evening.

Scotland vs Portugal Predicted Lineups

Scotland National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Gordon

Defenders: Souttar, Robertson, Ralston, Hanley

Midfielders: Gilmour, McLean, McTominay, Doak, Christie

Attackers: Adams

Portugal National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Ruben Dias, Veiga, Dalot, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: B. Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Neves

Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo, R. Leap, Neto

Also Read: Belgium vs France Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Nations League, October 14, 2024

Scotland vs Portugal Head-to-head Record

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Scotland and Portugal have locked horns on just three occasions. Roberto Martinez and his boys secured a 2-1 win in the last meeting between the two football-playing nations.

Last three H2H record:

Key Players to Watch Out in Scotland vs Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Whenever Cristiano Ronaldo is on turf, he is expected to break or set a new record in football. With 906 career goals under his belt, the greatest scorer in the history of football will now look to add a few more to his tally on Tuesday evening against Scotland. In his previous appearance against Steve Clarke’s side, the 39-year-old scored the winner for his team. He has already scored three goals in three matches in the UEFA Nations League, and will now aim to continue his scoring run, which seems to have no ending. Just like any other day, Ronaldo will once again be one of the key players to watch in Scotland vs Portugal.

Scott McTominay (Scotland)

Scott Francis McTominay, who has been a key player for the Scottish team in every matchday, will be important in Scotland vs Portugal match. The versatile midfielder has recently joined Napoli from Manchester United. He has already been a standout figure in the Italian club with one goal and one assist in four games. He is the engine in the Scotland midfield. His physical strength, passing and dribbling skills can create problems for a nervy Portuguese defense on Tuesday evening.

Scotland vs Portugal Prediction

Since 1980, Scotland has never beaten Portugal in any football tournament. Their last meeting in September this year produced a 2-1 victory for the Selecao. Off the back of a formidable attack, with a perfect mix of experience and energy, Portugal has been bullying its opponents in the ongoing Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo-led side now remains the only team to have a perfect win record in the tournament. Against a winless Scottish side, Portugal is expected to continue their winning momentum. The perfect Scotland vs Portugal prediction will be a fighting win for Roberto Martinez and boys.

Predicted Score: Scotland 1-3 Portugal

Also Read: Switzerland vs Denmark Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 15, 2024

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