Scotland vs Poland Prediction and Odds: Start of a New Campaign
Scotland will host Poland at Hampden Park on the opening day of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League. The match is set for Thursday, September 5th, at 19:45 BST. While neither team is considered among the favourites, both compete in the elite League A, giving them a chance to contend for the title.
In this article, you will find our Scotland — Poland match prediction, preview, and betting odds.
Scotland vs Poland Odds
Both the hosts and the visitors performed poorly at the European Championship, failing to advance from their groups and ranking among the four lowest teams in terms of points earned. However, they are determined to redeem themselves in the Nations League. Poland is aiming at least to fight for the right to remain in the top division, while Scotland will try to establish themselves in League A, which they impressively qualified for in the previous edition of the tournament.
Scotland Pre-match Analysis
The hosts had a frustrating run at the Euros, securing just a single point in the group stage while conceding seven goals. A victory in this match could set them on course for a strong start in the Nations League and break their current streak of four games without a win. While many have focused on defensive issues, their attacking woes were arguably even more concerning. They created very few chances and scored just two goals, which was actually fortunate given their xG of only 1.1.
However, the team has made some reinforcements. QPR striker Lyndon Dykes, who has already scored in the Championship this season, returns to contention after missing Euro due to injury. Rangers defender John Souttar is also back in the national team setup. Additionally, Steve Clarke has introduced new faces like Ryan Gauld, although there have been some losses, such as the experienced Callum McGregor, who retired from international football.
The Scots are traditionally strong at home, particularly in the Nations League. They have won five consecutive home games in the competition and have avoided defeat in eight of their last nine home matches across all competitions. While some fans at home are anxiously waiting to see if the broadcasting rights issue will be resolved in time to watch the match, there will certainly be no shortage of support at the stadium in Glasgow. You can bet on the Scottish side to score the first goal at
9/10
Roared on by the crowd, the hosts will aim to take an early lead.
Poland Pre-match Analysis
Poland head into this match after a three-game winless streak, having, like Scotland, earned just one point during their Euro campaign. However, they conceded one goal fewer and scored one more, with a promising xG of 4.1. In their previous Nations League run, Poland performed solidly against teams of similar quality but struggled against the favourites, notably suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat to Belgium.
There have been no significant changes to the squad, and it is clear where their main attacking threat will come from. Poland's head coach, Michał Probierz, will keep relying on Robert Lewandowski, the country's leading goal-scorer. Lewandowski has begun the 2024-25 La Liga season impressively, netting four goals and delivering one assist in just four games. He will be keen to bring this strong form into the Nations League.
Scotland vs Poland Prediction
With world-class talents such as Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński and the previously mentioned Robert Lewandowski, Poland's recent performances have been a concern. They have won only one of their last seven matches across all competitions. The away record is even less encouraging, with just one victory in their last eight games on the road.
Both teams have scored in each of their last three encounters across all competitions. Perhaps more notably, Scotland and Poland tend to draw when facing each other. Historically, a draw has been the most common result (happening six times), with their last three meetings all ending in a stalemate.
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