Prediction: Scotland vs Cyprus

Prediction: Scotland to win 2-1

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Scotland and Cyprus will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group A this weekend. The match between Steve Clarke’s side and Temur Ketsbaia’s team will be held at Hampden Park in Glasgow and is scheduled to kick off at 2pm UK time on Sunday.

Scotland

Scotland have been doing well in recent years and have regularly genuinely challenged to compete in the FIFA World Cup finals and in the UEFA European Championship. They reached the group stage of the UEFA Euro 2020 finals and were in the running for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, but eventually they could not make it.

Steve Clarke’s side will fancy their chances of progressing from UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group A. Scotland have been played alongside Spain, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus. The top two teams in the group qualify directly for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals. Now, Spain are the clear favourites to wi the group, and Scotland will fancy their chances of sneaking into second place.

Scotland last played an international match in November 2022. It was against Turkey away from home, and it ended in a 2-1 defeat for them. It followed a goalless draw with Ukraine and came after a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Team News:

David Marshall is set to start for Scotland against Cyprus. Stephen O’Donnell, Charlie Mulgrew, Scott McKenna and Andy Robertson will be the four defenders. Kenny McLean, Callum McGregor. John McGinn, James Forrest and Ryan Fraser will line up behind Eamonn Brophy in attack.

Cyprus

Cyprus are an European minnow and traditionally be the whipping boys in European and World Cup qualification campaigns. They have never progressed to the FIFA World Cup finals or have played at UEFA European Championship finals, and it is unlikely that it will change anytime soon.

However, there have been signs in recent games that Cyprus’ fortunes could be changing. They beat Greece 1-0 at home in September 2022 and then got the better of Israel in November 2022.

Cyprus are unlikely to challenge for the top two spots in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group A. Spain are the clear favourites to win the group, and Scotland, Norway and Georgia will be competing with Cyprus for the runners-up spot. 

Team News:

Ioakeim Toumbas, Stelios Andreou, Rafail Mamas and Andreas Avraam all are available for Cyprus against Scotland.

Key Factors to Consider

• Scotland have won 3 of their last 5 international matches.
• Scotland have scored 10 goals in their last 5 international matches.
• Scotland have conceded 3 goals in their last 5 international matches.
• Cyprus have won 2 of their last 5 international games.
• Cyprus have conceded 7 goals in their last 5 international games.

Conclusion

Wins against Greece and Israel show that Cyprus can spring a surprise or two, and Scotland will have to be wary of them. The Scots simply cannot allow Cyprus now. However, Scotland are at home and have a better team, and it is unlikely that they will slip up on this occasion.

Prediction: Scotland to win 2-1

Best Odds: 7/1

Bookmaker: Betfair