Scotland will face Portugal in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash on October 15th, 2024, at Hampden Park. Portugal currently leads Group 1 with a perfect record, while Scotland’s struggles continue as they remain winless.
Both teams have plenty to play for, with Portugal looking to secure a spot in the quarter-finals and Scotland trying to avoid relegation.
Scotland's Recent Form
Scotland has had a tough campaign in the Nations League, having lost all three matches in the group so far. After a spirited 2-1 loss to Croatia in their last outing, they’ll be looking to end a four-match losing streak.
Their only win in their last 15 matches came against Gibraltar in a friendly, highlighting their current struggles against higher-quality opposition.
Portugal's Recent Form
Conversely, Portugal have been in excellent form, winning all three of their Nations League matches so far. Their most recent win was a 3-1 triumph over Poland, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding to his incredible tally.
The Portuguese team has shown their quality with wins over Croatia and Scotland earlier in the tournament. Roberto Martinez's men are firmly in control of Group 1 and could secure a quarter-final spot with another win in Glasgow.
Injury and Team News
Scotland has had injury concerns in the lead-up to this match. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn, striker Lawrence Shankland, and defender Greg Taylor are among the absentees, along with Celtic winger James Forrest. Despite these injuries, Scotland will hope to put in a strong performance against the league leaders.
Portugal, on the other hand, has been fortunate with fitness, although Sporting Lisbon centre-back Gonçalo Inácio is unavailable.
Key players like Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are fit and ready to start, while Joao Palhinha, Tomas Araujo, and Francisco Conceicao were tactical omissions from the last game.
Last Scotland Lineup
Here is how Scotland lined up in their last match against Croatia:
Last Portugal Lineup
Here is how Portugal lined up in their last match against Poland:
Scotland Player To Watch
Scott McTominay has been Scotland's standout performer in recent international matches. His ability to score crucial goals, including one in the reverse fixture against Portugal, will be key to any Scottish hopes of upsetting their more-fancied opponents.
Portugal Player To Watch
It’s impossible to look beyond Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s key man. The legendary forward is chasing 1,000 career goals and remains as dangerous as ever. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field could be decisive in this encounter.
Prediction
Portugal has been dominant in this Nations League campaign, while Scotland has struggled to find form.
Despite playing at home, Scotland are likely to face a tough challenge against a Portuguese side full of confidence.
Our Prediction: Scotland 1-2 Portugal
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Portugal to win – With Portugal’s strong form and depth in quality, they are favourites to take all three points. A win for Portugal looks likely.
Tip 2
Both teams to score – Scotland has shown some attacking intent in recent games, and with the Hampden Park crowd behind them, they could score, even if Portugal dominates overall.
Tip 3
Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime – Ronaldo is in good form, and with his goal-scoring record, he is always a threat to find the back of the net.
