Here’s our Scotland Vs Croatia preview, prediction, team news and confirmed lineups ahead of Friday’s Nations League clash.
Scotland Vs Croatia Preview
Steve Clarke’s Scotland are bottom of Group 1, having picked up just one point so far. Their 0-0 draw with Portugal was a well-deserved one, but they have now gone a record 10 competitive matches without a win.
Their winless home run of six games is also a record, while they are one game away from equalling a record nine games without a win, including friendlies.
Scotland came close against Portugal and Poland, and had a late equaliser ruled out in Zagreb last month.
But they now need a minimum of four points from their remaining two games to avoid relegation back to Nations League B.
Croatia, meanwhile, have never won in Scotland. They did beat the Scots at home last month, but let slip a two-goal lead against Poland to draw 3-3.
Zlatko Dalic’s men will qualify for the knockouts with victory in Glasgow, and may go through with a draw if Poland fail to beat Portugal.
Next-up: 🇭🇷#SCOCRO pic.twitter.com/hJmdtUtAyz
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 12, 2024
Scotland Vs Croatia Team News
The Scots welcome back Stuart Armstrong, John McGinn and Jack Hendry, but are now without striker Che Adams.
Torino forward Adams missed the derby with Juventus after picking up a thigh injury.
He will be replaced by Tommy Conway, as the Middlesbrough striker looks to take his club form into the international break. .
With Angus Gunn still injured, veteran keeper Craig Gordon will keep his place between the sticks.
In midfield, Scotland are at full strength, but Clarke has opted to drop John McGinn and instead slot in Kenny McClean alongside the Napoli duo of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.
They will all need to be on top form as they face off against Croatian legend and captain, Luka Modric.
Although missing Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic, the Croatians are packed with experience. This includes former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic, who has three goals in two games against the Scots – but will be on the bench to begin with.
In goal, Dominik Kotarski will come in for suspended first-choice keeper, Dominik Livakovic.
Scotland Vs Croatia Confirmed Lineups
Scotland Lineup:
Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; McLean, Gilmour; Christie, McTominay, Doak; Conway
Croatia Lineup:
Kotarski; Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, Baturina, P. Sucic; Kramaric
Scotland Vs Croatia Prediction
With Scotland under huge pressure from fans and media alike, we can expect a nervy affair.
Croatia may not need to win to qualify for the knockouts, but don’t expect them to put that to chance. The vast experience of Modric and others should be enough to see the visitors leave with three points.
Prediction: Scotland 1-2 Croatia
