UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League B

Nov 15, 2020 at 2pm UK

City Arena Trnava

Slovakia
1 - 0
Scotland

Gregus (31')
Kucka (44'), Pekarik (56'), Skriniar (58'), Duda (65'), Mazan (77'), Rusnak (88')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Armstrong (30'), McGinn (41'), Christie (90+3')

Preview: Slovakia vs. Scotland - prediction, team news, lineups

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter

Published: November 13 2020 | 22:28

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:46

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Nations League clash between Slovakia and Scotland, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Scotland and Slovakia head into their UEFA Nations League encounter on Sunday with their spirits high after both sides qualified for Euro 2020 next summer.

The Scots have the chance to win their sixth international match in a row, while Slovakia are still searching for their first win in League B Group 2.

Match preview

Scotland players celebrate after beating Serbia on penalties in their Euro 2020 playoff on November 12, 2020 © Reuters

It was a historic night at Hampden Park on Thursday evening as Scotland qualified for their first major tournament since 1998 after beating Serbia on penalties following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

After Ryan Christie opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half, the Scots looked to be holding on for a narrow victory, however Luka Jovic's header in the 90th minute took the match to extra time.

With no further goals, the match went to penalties and after Scotland had scored all five of their spot kicks, David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort from 12 yards to secure Scotland's place at Euro 2020.

Scotland, who have extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions, will now face England at Euro 2020, along with Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D.

Manager Steve Clarke now turns his attention to the Nations League where they face Slovakia for the second time, after previously beating them 1-0 last month.

A win for the Scots could see them extend their lead at the top of League B Group 2 to seven points.

Slovakia's Michal Duris celebrates scoring against Northern Ireland in their Euro 2020 playoff on November 12, 2020 © Reuters

Thursday was also a memorable night for Slovakia as they beat Northern Ireland 2-1 after extra time to secure their place at Euro 2020.

Milan Skriniar's own goal in the 87th minute gave the hosts a lifeline, however a strike from Michal Duris was enough to clinch a narrow victory for Slovakia.

The Repre however have had little success in the Nations League this campaign, having failed to win any of their four matches in League B Group 2, with Stefan Tarkovic's men facing relegation to League C as things stand.

Slovakia were hit hard by coronavirus last month but should have a stronger squad this time around. A win against Scotland would see them remain bottom of the group, while narrowing the gap on third place to one point.

Slovakia Nations League form: LDLL
Slovakia form (all competitions): LDWLLW

Scotland Nations League form: DWWW
Scotland form (all competitions): DWWWWW

Team News

Scotland's Ryan Fraser celebrates scoring against the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on October 14, 2020 © Reuters

Scotland will be without winger Ryan Fraser and defender Grant Hanley after both players pulled out of the squad last week with injuries.

Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna, who was an unused substitute against Serbia, may come in to the starting lineup and replace Motherwell's Declan Gallagher.

Lyndon Dykes, who scored against Slovakia last month in the Nations League, could be joined up front with either Celtic's Ryan Christie or Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie.

Slovakia have started six different players at left-back in their last seven internationals and with experienced full-back Tomas Hubocan starting against Northern Ireland, Robert Mazan may be handed a place in the starting XI on Sunday.

Central defenders Lubomir Satka and Norbert Gyomber are likely to be competing with one another for a starting place alongside Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar.

Marek Hamsik is set to make his 125th international appearance for Slovakia, starting in a three-man midfield with Juraj Kucka and Stanislav Lobotka.

Slovakia possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Pekarik, Gyomber, Skriniar, Mazan; Kucha, Lobotka, Hamsik; Mak, Duda, Rusnak

Scotland possible starting lineup:
Marshall; McTominay, McKenna, Tierney; O'Donnell, McLean, McGinn, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes

SM words green background

We say: Slovakia 1-1 Scotland

Scotland have won their last two matches 1-0 against Sunday's opponents, but with Slovakia having a stronger side to field this time around, we expect the hosts to secure a point at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium.

Top betting tip

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