SCOTLAND showed some signs of life against Cristiano Ronaldo and co. in the Nations League….now they have to stop Luka Modric and Croatia to save their skins.
Steve Clarke's side's miserable run of one win in 16 games has been well publicised after a disastrous build-up to the Euros and an even worse tournament.
They then developed a bad habit of losing last gasp goals in Group A of the Nations League which saw them go down to agonising defeats to Poland, Portugal and Croatia before that goalless draw at Hampden last month at least gave them a point…and provoked Ronaldo into an amusing hissy fit.
They can still avoid relegation from this group despite sitting bottom of the group, but to overtake Poland – who they play in the final match in Warsaw next week – they could really do with a win against the Croats.
This is far from a vintage Croatia side and after an unimpressive Euros, they appear to be going through something of a transitional period with a fortunate win over Scotland and a 3-3 draw with Poland last month.
Zlatko Dalic has something of an ageing squad with 39-year-old Modric still pulling the strings.
How the bookies view it: Scotland outsiders at Hampden
Scotland are as big as 13/5 with UniBet. Croatia can be backed at 6/5 with Betfred and are hovering around evens in most places.
The draw is 5/2 with Ladbrokes.
Recent head to heads: Recent history favours the Balkan boys
Croatia came from behind to beat the Scots in the Maksimir in Zagreb last month and they also won on their last trip to Hampden three years ago in the Euro 2020 Finals with a Modric masterclass in a 3-1 win.
However, Scotland beat Croatia under Gordon Strachan home and away in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Players to watch: Scott to trot for McTominay
New Napoli signing Scott McTominay has certainly hit the ground running in Italy and has already scored three times including their weekend draw at Inter Milan.
The Tartan Army hero loves a goal for his country and is 7/2 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Luka Modric absolutely ran the show on his last visit to Hampden as stated and the Real Madrid playmaker is always a threat. He is 6/1 to score in Glasgow, also with Paddy Power.
Predicted line-ups:
Scotland striker Che Adams is injured along with Lewis Morgan and Steve Clarke is still without Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson, Kieran Tierney and Nathan Patterson for this.
Croatian will be without suspended No.1 keeper Dominik Livakovic for their trip to Glasgow. Dinamo Zagreb striker Bruno Petković is injured.
Scotland: Gordon, Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson, McGinn, Gilmour; Doak, McTominay, Christie, Dykes.
Croatia: Ivusic, Erlic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Pjaca, Kovacic, Modric, Baturina, Sosa, Matanovic, Kramaric
Anything else catch the eye?
Scotland could finally break their nightmare recent run and look attractive odds to see off a Croatia side who look past their best.
In what has been a truly dismal year for the Tartan Army, there have been signs of improvement against both Croatia away where they certainly deserved a point and Portugal at home where they at last looked defensively solid.
And they are worth backing for a Friday night shock at Hampden.
Scotland have struggled to get any width recently and have not won any more than two corners in their of their four qualifying games. They conceded a total of 22 in two games to Portugal.
Therefore, Croatia look a solid bet at 4/5 to win the corners match with bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Croatia will be played on Nov 15, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Scotland vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
