The battle for UEFA Nations League survival takes middle stage on Monday as Poland host Scotland on the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.
With each groups locked on 4 factors in Group 1 of League A, the result of this closing group stage fixture shall be essential in figuring out which nation avoids demotion to League B.
Match Preview
Poland have struggled to search out consistency on this season’s Nations League marketing campaign, selecting up only one win, one draw and three losses up to now.
Regardless of holding group leaders Portugal to a 0-0 draw final month, the Bialo-czerwoni have been finally overpowered 5-1 within the reverse fixture on Friday, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a brace.
Veteran striker Krzysztof Piatek has been the workforce’s important objective risk, however the absence of talisman Robert Lewandowski has been keenly felt.
Scotland, then again, come into this conflict buoyed by a vital 1-0 victory over Croatia of their earlier outing.
Returning hero John McGinn scored the winner to maintain Steve Clarke’s facet’s slim quarter-final hopes alive.
The Scots have been inconsistent, with two losses, a draw and a win of their final 4 Nations League matches.
Poland have managed only one win of their final six aggressive fixtures, a 3-2 overcome Croatia in September.
Their current kind has been notably poor, with three losses of their final 4 matches throughout all competitions.
Scotland ended a 10-game winless run in all competitions with their victory over Croatia.
Previous to that, that they had suffered three consecutive defeats within the Nations League, together with a 2-1 loss to the Poles within the reverse fixture.
Head-to-Head
Within the earlier assembly between these sides in September, Poland emerged 3-2 victors because of targets from Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Szymanski.
Total, the head-to-head file is even, with the groups largely ending their matches with stalemates.
Though traditionally Scotland has crushed Poland solely as soon as whereas the later have two wins. At the least two targets have been scored of their matches performed.
Group Information
Poland shall be with out Arkadiusz Milik and their captain and all-time high scorer Robert Lewandowski, who’s sidelined with a again harm.
Scotland are anticipated to discipline the same lineup to the one which defeated Croatia, with teenage winger Ben Doak prone to function prominently.
Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon and midfielder John McGinn, who scored the winner final trip, ought to retain their locations.
Prediction
This match guarantees to be a intently contested affair, with each groups determined to keep away from relegation from League A.
Poland’s defensive vulnerabilities could possibly be uncovered by Scotland’s attacking risk, however the hosts’ dwelling benefit and the potential absence of Lewandowski could show decisive.
- Rating Prediction: Poland 3-2 Scotland
Betting Suggestions
– Poland to win: The house facet are the favorites to safe the three factors and keep away from relegation.
– Over 2.5 targets: With each groups needing to go all-out for the win, this fixture may see a high-scoring encounter.
– Krzysztof Piatek to attain anytime: The Polish striker has been his workforce’s important objective risk and shall be trying so as to add to his tally.