Scotland v Croatia

Scotland vs Croatia Preview

Scotland sit rock-bottom of the Group 1 table having suffered three defeats and picking up just a single point from their opening four games of this season's Nations League but the hosts can still have an influence on the final placings in the group when they play host to Croatia at Hampden Park on Friday night.

Losses at the hands of Poland, Portugal and Croatia in 3-2, 2-1 and 2-1 defeats respectively have far outweighed the Scots' minimal success of gaining a point in a 0-0 draw at home to Portugal midway through last month.

The bigger picture paints an even gloomier outlook for Friday night's hosts as Scotland have managed to capture just a single win from their last 16 internationals which includes a disappointing campaign in the Euro 2024 finals along with being dealt a total of 10 defeats in the process.

Scotland's singular highlight during this period was a 2-0 win away from home at Gibraltar in an international friendly at the start of June but current form suggests this upcoming fixture with Croatia should firmly avoid being involved in the straight win markets!

However, the goals market appeals here as six out of Scotland's last 10 games overall have resulted in both teams scoring.

Croatia by contrast currently occupy second place in the Group 1 table where they possess a useful three-point cushion above third placed Poland prior to these Matchday 5 fixtures being played on Friday night.

An equally disappointing showing at the Euro 2024 finals resulted in a loss and two draws which proved to be their undoing and resulted in an early exit from the tournament, and this poor form continued in the shape of a 2-1 loss away from home at Portugal in their opening game of this Nations League campaign.

However, back-to-back wins against Poland 1-0 and Scotland 2-1 along with picking up a point by way of a 3-3 draw on the road at Poland have helped lift Zlatko Dalic's side up into contention for a place in the quarter-finals of this competition.

The wider picture shows Croatia have slipped to just two defeats in their last 13 internationals overall, suffering losses at the hands of Spain and Portugal but the visitors have also picked up eight wins during this period as well.

Goals look the safest option though for this upcoming encounter in Glasgow at Hampden Park as seven out of Croatia's last 10 internationals have also resulted in both teams hitting the back of the net.

Scotland v Croatia Verdict

Four of the last seven meetings between Scotland and Croatia have seen both teams score, while the draw has featured on three occasions as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.30

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 6.50