Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to finish off the job and officially keep hold of their League A status, Scotland will welcome Greece to Hampden for their second-leg showdown.
Scotland
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a rugged performance on foreign soil earlier in the week as they snatched a 1-0 victory in Piraeus, Scotland are desperate to finish off the job here. While the Tartan Army might have shown some real issues on either side of their EURO 24 nightmare last summer, Steve Clarke’s side did sign off 2024 having turned a corner. Including a 1-0 victory against former World Cup finalists Croatia on November 15th, Scotland have won each of their previous three consecutive appearances across all competitions. Sat in the driving seat here, Scotland will also be excited by their recent defensive success. Snatching a 0-0 stalemate against European giants Portugal back in October, Sunday’s hosts have conceded just a single strike in almost 400 minutes of action.
Scotland Team News
Snatching that 1-0 first-leg victory over in Piraeus on Thursday night, Clarke could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI this weekend. However, forced to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney will be hoping to be handed a full recall here.
Despite turning 42 back in December, Craig Gordon will start between the sticks at Hampden and earn an 81st international cap. Notching eight Serie A goals with Italian outfit Torino this season, former Southampton marksman Che Adams will spearhead Clarke’s attack in the final third.
Greece
As for the visitors, missing out on the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage earlier in the week, Greece have a real battle on their hands here. However, mustering 15 points from their six Nations League appearances last year, the Ethniki have collected some heavyweight European scalps. Springing a famous upset at Wembley back on October 10th as they clinched a famous 2-1 victory in north London, Ivan Jovanovic’s men have also gained a reputation for their success away from the Karaiskakis Stadium. Along with winning all of their previous three Nations League showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 6-1, Greece have also won seven of their last eight showdowns on their travels – a run that stems all the way back to September 2020.
Greece Team News
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek and only making a brief cameo appearance off the bench, Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis could be handed a full recall and lead the line in Glasgow. Liverpool defender Konstantinos Tsimikas will start at left-back and earn a 41st international cap here.
Despite struggling to hold down a regular spot at West Ham this season, Konstantinos Mavropanos will start at the heart of Greece’s defence. Reportedly attracting plenty of European interest ahead of the summer transfer window, 22-year-old Giannis Konstantelias could play a leading role.
Scotland vs Greece Key Factors to Consider
- When Scotland and Greece met for their first-leg showdown over in Piraeus on Thursday night, the Tartan Army collected a 1-0 victory on foreign soil.
- Scotland have won each of their previous three competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have conceded just a single strike in almost 400 minutes of action.
- Greece have won their previous three Nations League matchups on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- In fact, the Ethniki have remarkably won seven of their previous eight Nations League appearances away from the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Conclusion
Snatching a 1-0 victory in Piraeus on Thursday night, Scotland will be desperate to finish off the job and keep hold of their League A status here. Appearing to have turned a much-welcomed corner on either side of opening the New Year, Clarke’s side have also gained a reputation for their defensive steel. Shipping just a single goal in almost 400 minutes of action, we could be set for a nail-biting affair from Glasgow on Sunday night.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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