Preview: Croatia vs Scotland – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Looking for an end to their long winning streak, Scotland They face a tough trip to Zagreb on Saturday when they attack UEFA Nations League Rivals Croatia.

Steve Clarke's team lost both League A Group 1 The hosts have three points so far and are still aiming for a place in the knockout phase.

Game preview

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Last month, Croatia began its bid to go one step further in this season's Nations League than in 2023 – when it was beaten by Spain in the final – but started with a 2-1 defeat in Portugal.

Having already been eliminated in the group stages of Euro 2024, the Vatreni were keen to prove they were still a force to be reckoned with and a subsequent win over Poland ended their wait for a victory.

captain Luka Modric scored an impressive free kick in Osijek that separated the two teams and moved up to second place the ranking of group 1.

During long-time trainer Zlatko Dalic faces the task of gradually bringing in new faces and replacing faltering veterans, but his team is still hoping to secure an elusive title – and the Nations League is certainly their best chance.

Even second place in each League A group secures a place in the quarter-finals, meaning Croatia only has to stay ahead of Poland and Scotland until November.

The results of the past definitely indicate this: In addition to six wins in the last eight Nations League games, they have also won the last three home games across all competitions – each without conceding a goal.

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Saturday's clash at Stadion Maksimir will be the first meeting between Croatia and Scotland since Euro 2020, when the Vatreni won 3-1 in Glasgow to eliminate their hosts from the tournament.

That was a particularly painful defeat at Hampden Park, but the Scots are one of the few teams to have come through Croatia unscathed on more than one occasion: they remained unbeaten from two previous visits, drawing 1-1 in October 2000 and winning one – 0 in June 2013.

Current manager Steve Clarke would be happy to accept a repeat of both results this weekend as his struggling side are winless in eight competitive games – the longest run in Scottish football history – and have won just one of their last 14 games overall, against Gibraltar in a friendly.

Since gaining promotion to the top flight of the Nations League last time out, the Scots have endured a difficult period of struggle, bowing out tamely at Euro 2024 before losing twice in September.

Both defeats promised improvement, but after drawing to 2-2 in their opening game against Poland, they conceded a penalty in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time; Then a late goal from international football's top scorer in Portugal gave them a point.

After a strong midfielder Scott McTominay had given Clarke's men the lead at the Estadio da Luz, Cristiano RonaldoThe winning goal in the 88th minute sealed the Selecao's comeback and left Scotland at the bottom of the table.

With the third-placed teams having to negotiate in the relegation playoffs and the latest results landing them in automatic relegation, they are now fighting against all odds to survive in League A: after a difficult trip to Zagreb, the Scots face Portugal for three days in Hampden meet later.

Croatian Nations League form:

Croatia form (all competitions):

Scotland Nations League form:

Scotland form (all competitions):

Team news

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Already without Domagoj Vida and the mainstay in midfield Marcelo Brozovic – Both withdrew from international duty after the European Championships – Croatia was missing the defensive duo Josip Stanisic And Martin Erlic last month, but the latter is now back in action and could start against Scotland.

Next to Stanisic Marin Pongracic And Lovro Majer are unavailable due to injury, which significantly reduces the number of options for Zlatko Dalic.

During 98 international matches striker Andrei Kramaric hopes to get closer to becoming Croatia's 100th club this weekend, according to the Manchester City star Mateo Kovacic will make his 107th appearance and is therefore ahead Ivan Rakitic fifth on the all-time list. Luka Modric (180 international matches) and Ivan Perisic (136) both will also occur.

Striker from Eintracht Frankfurt Igor Matanovic made his senior national team debut in September and was able to start again at the top for the hosts, while the visitors' attack was strengthened by the return of Che Adamswho has settled in well since moving to Turin.

However, the biggest danger for the Scots could come from just behind the top man, as another Serie A signing, Scott McTominay, has scored 11 goals for his country – each in competitive games.

Steve Clarke named the same starting lineup for both games last month, but changes will have to be made on Saturday: with Angus Gunn Left the squad due to injury, 41 years old Craig Gordon – already Scotland's oldest international player – is expected to start in goal.

Aberdeen left-back Jack MacKenzie was drafted by Celtic after that Greg Taylor retired and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is out with a hamstring injury and is replaced by MacKenzie's clubmates Kevin Nisbet.

In addition, Premier League quartet John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson And Kieran Tierney are also not available.

Possible starting lineup for Croatia:
Livakovic; Erlic, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Pjaca, Kovacic, Modric, Baturina, Sosa; Matanovic, Kramaric

Possible Scotland starting lineup:
Gordon; Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; McClean, Gilmour; Doak, McTominay, Christie; Adams

We say: Croatia – Scotland 2-0

With dwindling confidence and numerous injuries, Scotland have been a shadow of their former self in recent months, meaning Croatia look set to continue their good home record.

Aside from a few other issues, the Scots simply can't keep the back door closed, so there can only be one exit on Saturday night.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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