Scotland hosts Portugal at Hampden Park in Glasgow for a crucial UEFA Nations League A encounter. This match sees the bottom and top teams of Group 1 face off, with Portugal looking to maintain their perfect record and secure advancement to the next stage. Scotland, yet to score a point in the tournament, desperately needs a win to avoid relegation from League A.
In terms of form, Portugal is unbeaten in its last five games, while Scotland has struggled significantly, failing to win any match since June 2024. The weather is expected to be overcast with a temperature of 13°C and high humidity.
With key players like Cristiano Ronaldo in top form, Portugal is the clear favourite for this match, and the bookmakers reflect this with odds of 1.55 for a Portuguese win.
Match tip: Portugal to win.
Scotland vs Portugal Prediction & Betting tip
For this exciting UEFA Nations League A clash, our recommended bet is for Portugal to win. Given Portugal’s current form and Scotland’s struggles, this seems like a b prediction.
Match tips:
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 3 goals in 3 matches in this tournament this season.
- Portugal is in excellent form, having recently defeated Poland 3-1.
- Portugal takes the UEFA Nations League seriously and aims to maintain its position at the top of the group.
| Scotland vs Portugal Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Portugal to win | 1.55 |
Why this prediction is a good bet:
- Form: Portugal is unbeaten in their last five games, showing b performances and consistency.
- Offensive Power: Cristiano Ronaldo continues to deliver outstanding performances, netting his 133rd international goal recently.
- Contrasting Fortunes: Scotland has struggled significantly, failing to win any match since June 2024, and they’re yet to score a point in this tournament.
Scotland vs Portugal Odds
The odds for this UEFA Nations League A matchup heavily favor Portugal, reflecting their current dominance and Scotland’s struggles. For those considering where to place their bets, here are the latest odds:
| Scotland vs Portugal Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Scotland | 5.61 |
| Draw | 4.30 |
| Portugal | 1.55 |
These odds underscore the expectations for Portugal to secure a win, especially given their undefeated run in the tournament so far. Scotland, on the other hand, faces long odds after a series of disappointing results.
Scotland vs Portugal Live Streaming
- The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Scotland vs Portugal live streaming on SonyLiv at 12:15 AM on Wednesday.
Scotland Team Analysis
Scotland Recent Performance LLLLD
Scotland’s recent performance in the UEFA Nations League has been challenging. They are still looking for their first point in the competition, having lost all four matches so far. Their recent form looks bleak with four losses followed by a draw, highlighting the difficulties they’ve faced this season.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia | Scotland | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Portugal | Scotland | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Poland | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Hungary | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Scotland | Switzerland | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: LLLLD
Key points:
- Scotland has averaged just 1.00 goals per game over their last five matches.
- They have not kept any clean sheets in their last five games.
- Defensive frailties have seen them concede crucial goals, making it difficult to secure points.
The team will need to improve both in defense and attack to stand any chance against a b Portuguese side.
Scotland Key Players
For Scotland, the standout player is undoubtedly Scott McTominay, who has scored two goals in the tournament and will be crucial in their midfield. Another key player is Andrew Robertson, whose experience and leadership from the left-back position will be vital.
McTominay’s battle with Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes in the midfield will be one to watch. Similarly, Robertson will face a tough challenge against Portugal’s pacey wingers, including Rafael Leão.
Expected lineup for Scotland:
- Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon
- Defenders: Tony Ralston, Grant Hanley, John Souttar, Andrew Robertson
- Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Ben Doak, Ryan Christie
- Forward: Lyndon Dykes
Scotland Suspensions & Injuries
Scotland’s coach, Steve Clarke, faces a challenging situation with a lengthy injury list affecting key players. This could significantly impact Scotland’s ability to compete against a b Portuguese side.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Ferguson | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid December 2024 |
| Nathan Patterson | Lack of fitness | A few days |
| Aaron Hickey | Hamstring injury | A few days |
| Jack Hendry | Knee injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Scott McKenna | Muscle injury | Late October 2024 |
| John McGinn | Hamstring injury | Late October 2024 |
| Greg Taylor | Calf injury | A few weeks |
| Angus Gunn | Rib injury | Doubtful |
Scotland has no player suspensions currently. These absences, particularly in defense and midfield, could leave gaps that Portugal may exploit. The lack of match fitness for key players might disrupt team cohesion and performance. Coach Clarke will need to rely on his remaining squad members to step up in this crucial encounter.
Scotland Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Lyndon Dykes
- Attacking Midfield Trio: Ben Doak, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie
- Defensive Setup: Originally anchored by veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, with support from a backline that includes Tony Ralston, Grant Hanley, John Souttar, and Andrew Robertson.
Steve Clarke’s squad typically builds its play from a deep midfield, with Billy Gilmour and Kenny McLean acting as holding midfielders to break down opposition attacks and recycle possession. While Scott McTominay transitions into an advanced role to add a creative spark, the wings will see Ben Doak and Ryan Christie stretching the play, aiming to create opportunities for Dykes up front. Given their defensive vulnerabilities, expect Scotland to adopt a resolute defensive stance, looking to exploit counter-attacks against a potent Portuguese side.
Portugal Team Analysis
Portugal Recent Performance WWWLW
Recent Form: WWWLW Portugal have been in stellar form recently, showcasing their dominance in the UEFA Nations League A. They have won four out of their last five matches, clearly illustrating their solid form and consistency. Their recent outings have shown an average of 2.6 goals per game, emphasizing their attacking prowess, while maintaining a clean sheet in one of their last five encounters. Here’s a quick look at Portugal’s recent matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | Portugal | 1-3 (Win) |
| Portugal | Scotland | 2-1 (Win) |
| Portugal | Croatia | 2-1 (Win) |
| Portugal | France | 0-0 (Pen: 3-5) |
| Portugal | Slovenia | 0-0 (Pen: 3-0) |
This performance trend shows Portugal’s prominence and capability to handle high-pressure matches, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge. They remain a force to be reckoned with in this competition.
Portugal Key Players
Portugal boasts a star-studded lineup that has been instrumental in their recent successes. Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament’s top scorer with 3 goals, remains the focal point of their attack. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments makes him a player to watch out for. Expected lineup for Portugal:
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão
- Midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes will be key in controlling the tempo and creating scoring opportunities, while Ruben Dias will lead the defense against Scotland’s attacking threats. Keep an eye on Rafael Leão, whose pace and dribbling abilities can turn the game around.
Portugal Suspensions & Injuries
Portugal comes into this match with some notable injuries that could impact their squad depth.
Here’s the list of injured players:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Gonçalo Ramos | Ankle injury | Early November 2024 |
| William Carvalho | Achilles tendon injury | Late November 2024 |
| Pedro Gonçalves | Hamstring injury | Early November 2024 |
| Gonçalo Inácio | Muscle injury | Late October 2024 |
There are no suspensions affecting the Portugal squad for this match.
While the absences of Gonçalo Ramos and William Carvalho could affect their attacking options and midfield stability, Portugal’s squad depth is b enough to cope with these setbacks. Roberto Martinez will depend heavily on the remaining fit players, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, to continue their excellent form in the UEFA Nations League.
Portugal Tactics and Formation
Portugal’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Midfield Trio: Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Bernardo Silva
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games. Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, employs a highly strategic 4-3-3 formation that maximizes their attacking potential while maintaining midfield solidity.
- Key Forward Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine, with three goals in this tournament, providing a lethal edge upfront. In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, and Bernardo Silva form a dynamic trio, combining creative playmaking with defensive stability.
- Defensively, although they’ve only had one clean sheet in their last five matches, the presence of Ruben Dias at the back fortifies their rearguard, making them resilient against counter-attacks. This blend of aggressive attacking and disciplined midfield play positions Portugal as a formidable force in their UEFA Nations League campaign.
Scotland vs Portugal Head-to-Head Statistics
This section delves into the last five meetings between Scotland and Portugal, displaying a clear trend favoring the Portuguese side.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Scotland | 2-1 |
| Scotland | Portugal | 1-3 |
| Portugal | Scotland | 2-0 |
These results show Portugal’s consistent dominance over Scotland, with the Portuguese team securing wins in the past three encounters. This historical performance builds up the excitement for their upcoming clash at Hampden Park.
Venue and Weather
Hampden Park, located in Glasgow, Scotland, provides a historic backdrop for this UEFA Nations League A clash. The stadium, with a capacity of approximately 51,866, will undoubtedly see a lively atmosphere as the home supporters rally behind their team. The weather forecast for match day is overcast clouds with a temperature of around 13°C. Humidity at 82% and a gentle wind speed of 3.48 m/s could make for challenging playing conditions. Both teams will need to adapt:
- Scotland might aim to leverage their familiarity with such weather,
- Portugal may focus on a possession-based game to negate any adverse weather impact.
Expect a tactical contest as both sides adjust to the conditions.
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