TWO of Euro 2024's biggest underperformers clash in the opening Nations League game at Hampden when Scotland host Poland.
Poland were the first team to be eliminated from the Euros after two defeats to the Dutch and the Austrians before they claimed a point when already out against France, who were already through.
But Scotland produced a ‘hold my whisky' response with a truly lamentable tournament where they were finally put out of their misery when Hungary scored with the last kick of the ball in the final game.
Previously, Scotland were battered 5-1 by Germany in the opening game and drew with Switzerland in Cologne.
It was a disastrous tournament for both nations and the surprise was that managers Steve Clarke and Michał Probierz both remained in their job after producing such a joyless football exhibition for enormous travelling supports.
For the hosts, they struggled badly with injuries and loss of form and that still seems to be the case with key defenders still out and Clarke's hands were somewhat tied with his latest squad announcement with only really Ryan Gauld the eye-catching newcomer.
Poland have three uncapped players with ex-Celtic target Mateusz Bogusz one of them.
How the bookies view it: Scotland favourites to bounce back
Scotland have a good record at Hampden and perhaps that's persuaded bookies to make them favourites at 7/5 with Paddy Power.
Poland can be backed at 2/1 with William Hill and the draw is 12/5 with Ladbrokes.
Recent head to heads: Nothing between the teams
The countries met in the Euro 2016 qualifiers and produced a couple of 2-2 draws in Glasgow and Warsaw. They also drew in a friendly at Hampden two years ago.
Poland's last win in Scotland came 59 years ago.
Players to watch: New Napoli man Scott a shout
Scott McTominay was Scotland's only scorer at the Euros and was also their top scorer in their qualifying campaign. The new Napoli man is 10/3 to score anytime with bet365.
Robert Lewandowski netted a double on his last visit to Hampden nine years ago and his last gasp leveller knocked Scotland out of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
He's started the season with four goals in four games for Barca and the 37-year-old is 10/3 to score anytime with bet365.
Predicted line-ups:
Scotland are still without Aaron Hickey, Kieran Tierney, Nathan Paterson and Lewis Ferguson. Che Adams is also out and James Forrest and Greg Taylor were late call-offs.
Poland will start life without 84-capped keeper Wojciech Szczesny who retired at the age of 34.
Scotland: Gunn, Porteous, McKenna, Hanley, Doak, Gilmour, McGinn, McTominay, Robertson, Christie, Dykes.
Poland: Skorupski, Bereszynski, Kiwior; Dawidowicz, Puchacz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Szymański, Zalewski, Zielinski, Lewandowski.
Anything else catch the eye?
Five out of the last six games have been drawn and this could add to that run in a match featuring two sides who must be bereft of confidence.
Nothing much seems to have changed with Scotland and their dour, stubborn manager Clarke has refused to take any responsibility for their depressing negativity that stank Germany out during the Euros.
Scotland are on a dismal run of one win in 12 (and that was a narrow win against Gibraltar) and you cannot be backing the hosts with any degree of confidence at any odds, never mind ones as restricted as they are.
Poland are hardly flying either as draws with Moldova and Wales and defeats to Albania show.
It could easily be a dour affair too and lack of goals could be the call too. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if none were scored or maybe one goal was to win it. The 11/5 on under 1.5 goals shouldn't be too far away with bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Poland will be played on Sep 5, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Scotland vs Poland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
