Scotland vs Poland prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League A betting tips on match 2024-09-04 18:45.
[p]After they ended a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 finals with just a point against Switzerland to show for their efforts (L2), Scotland turn their attention to their first-ever campaign in League A of the UEFA Nations League (UNL). They earned promotion to the top tier after a four-match unbeaten run in this competition (W3, D1), which they’ve enjoyed, having only ever lost four times (W10, D2).[/p]
[p]Maintaining that excellent record against tougher opponents will be tricky though as they seek a first win in five home internationals (D2, L2), and manager Steve Clarke admits the Scots must be “more creative” if they are to bounce back from a difficult summer. With that in mind, following Callum McGregor’s international retirement, Clarke has included Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld in the squad, who’s earned a first call-up since 2014![/p]
[p]Poland have also been forced into naming a new-look squad which includes four goalkeepers, following the retirement last month of long-time number one Wojciech Szczęsny. Like Scotland, they only came away from Euro 2024 with a point, albeit against eventual semi-finalists France after losing their opening two matches, so will be looking for a better start to their fourth straight campaign in League A.[/p]
[p]At least manager Michał Probierz can still call upon long-serving captain and striker Robert Lewandowski as Poland look to build on finishing Euro 2024 qualification with two wins away from home, with the latter victory over Wales achieved after a nail biting penalty shootout. They’ve never won their first game on the road in a UNL campaign (D1, L2), but are encouragingly unbeaten in away H2Hs (W2, D3), with all five of those matches seeing both sides get on the scoresheet.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Scotland’s Scott McTominay, who swapped Manchester United for Napoli last week, was booked between half-time and the 55th minute in his last two international appearances, but has been his country’s biggest goal threat in recent times, with eight goals from his last 15 internationals. Poland’s Karol Świderski was also yellow-carded in his most recent game for his country, but opened his side’s account in two of his last five club appearances.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Each of the last three H2Hs (all draws) produced exactly two second-half goals.[/p]
[p][i]Written by John Pennington[/i][/p]