Verdict: Scott McTominay over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing that they can wrap up a top-two finish in Group C this weekend, Scotland will travel to Greece on Saturday night.
Greece
Starting with the hosts, embarking on what was a sensational Nations League romp earlier in the year and storming their way to a League A ticket, Greece got their qualifying adventure underway back in September with their sights set on mounting a genuine silver medal charge in Group C. Despite getting their campaign underway with a routine 5-1 romp against Belarus, Ivan Jovanovic’s men have come crashing bak down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen falling to consecutive 3-1 defeats against Denmark and Scotland, Greece have lost each of their previous three consecutive World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2. Showing some extended defensive issues, the Ethniki find their Group C dreams hanging by a thread on Saturday night.
Greece Team News
Dealing with a recent hamstring injury, Greece are unable to call upon West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos this month. However, despite struggling to find his feet after completing a summer loan switch from Liverpool, Roma full-back Konstantinos Tsimikas will start at left-back.
Registering six direct goal contributions in his previous eight appearances for club and country, Sporting Lisbon marksman Fotis Ioannidis will lead the line here. Enjoying what has been a stellar start to the new campaign with Club Brugge, ex-Norwich starlet Christos Tzolis will partner Ioannidis in the final third.
Scotland
As for the visitors, despite losing their elite Nations League status back in March following a 3-1 aggregate defeat against Greece, Scotland have come roaring back in some style. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits from across the continent, the mood around Hampden is at a red-hot high. Getting proceedings underway on Saturday night knowing that a single point will be enough to officially wrap up a top-two finish in Group C, Steve Clarke’s men are riding a major wave of momentum. Last seen securing a 2-1 victory against Belarus, Scotland have registered 10 points from their first four qualifying appearances. Likewise, including a stellar 3-1 win when they welcomed Greece to Glasgow for their reverse meeting on October 9th, the former Kilmarnock boss will be dreaming of a repeat display here.
Scotland Team News
Clarke has named a slimmed down 23-man squad for this home double header, with the most notable change coming in the goalkeeping ranks, where experienced goalkeeper Craig Gordon – Scotland’s fourth-highest appearance maker – returns to the fold after recovering from injury.
Likewise, Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney were both forced to sit out the last camp through injury but both are back playing at club level and in the squad once again. Enjoying a sensational run since completing a blockbuster move to Napoli last year, former Manchester United star Scott McTominay will play a leading role in the middle of the park.
Greece vs Scotland Key Factors to Consider
- When Greece and Scotland met for their reverse qualifying showdown on October 9th, the Tartan Army collected a 3-1 victory at Hampden.
- Scotland also secured a gritty 1-0 win when they travelled to Piraeus for a Nations League battle on March 20th.
- Clarke’s high-flying squad have registered 10 points from their first four World Cup qualifying appearances.
- Greece have lost each of their previous three consecutive qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2.
- Scotland have won their previous three straight Group C showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-2.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a stellar 3-1 victory when they welcomed Greece to Hampden for their reverse qualifying battle on October 9th, Scotland will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Winning all of their last three consecutive Group C appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2, Saturday’s guests find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Looking to officially wrap up at least a silver medal finish this weekend, Clarke’s camp could be smelling the chance to make another statement on foreign soil.
Verdict: Scott McTominay over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
