Prediction: Slovakia vs Scotland

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Slovakia and Scotland will lock horns with each other in UEFA Nations League Group B2 this weekend. The match at City Arena in Trnava will kick off at 2pm UK time on Sunday.

Slovakia

Slovakia are not doing well in the UEFA Nations League at the moment. Stefan Tarkovic’s side are at the foot of Group B2 with just one point from four matches. Slovakia lost both of their UEFA Nations League games last month, losing 1-0 to Scotland away before going down 3-2 to Israel at home.

However, Slovakia are on a high after booking their place in the European Championship next summer. The Falcons got the better of Northern Ireland 2-1 away from home in Belfast in the playoff final on Thursday evening to secure a place in the finals in the summer of 2021.

Team news:

Roberto Mazan could start for Slovakia at left-back against Scotland this weekend, while Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar is set to feature in central defence. Marek Hamsik is also likely to start for the home team.

Scotland

Just like Slovakia, Scotland also booked their place in the European Championship finals next summer. Steve Clarke’s side got the better of Serbia 5-4 on penalties after the playoff final ended 1-1 following extra time on Thursday evening. The win in Belgrade saw Scotland qualify for their first major international tournament in 23 years.

Scotland are doing well in the UEFA Nations League as well. Clarke’s side are at the top of Group B2 at the moment with 10 points from four matches, as many as four points clear of second-placed Czech Republic. Scotland won 1-0 against the Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League last month and also beat Slovakia by the same scoreline.

Team news:

Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley are injured and pulled out of the Scotland squad. Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna could start, and so could Sheffield United striker Ali McBurnie.

Key Factors to Consider

• Marek Hamsik has played 124 times for the Slovakia national football team.
  Scotland have won their last two matches against Slovakia, both 1-0.
  As things stand, Slovakia will be relegated to League C.
  Scotland have scored five goals and conceded two goals in the UEFA Nations League.
  Slovakia have scored four goals and shipped in eight goals in the UEFA Nations League.

Conclusion

Scotland will be full of confidence, while Slovakia enjoyed success in the week and will have home ‘advantage’. There is a very good chance that this game could turn out to be a draw, with both teams likely to be celebrating their European Championship success.

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Betfair