Scotlandvs.Greece

The visitors will travel to Hampden Park with the difficult task of overturning the one-goal deficit as they aim to secure promotion to the competition's top tier.

Match preview

Scotland secured their promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League by finishing top of League B Group 1 in 2022-23, recording four wins, one draw and just one loss in their six fixtures against Ukraine, Ireland and Armenia.

Their strong run in the Nations League continued in the subsequent fixtures, which the Tartan Army secure qualification to the 2024 European Championship by placing second in Group A - with 17 points from five wins, two draws and only one defeat.

However, Steve Clarke's men have been unable to replicate those results in the matches since, crashing out of the Euros at the group stage, while just two wins, one draw and three losses saw them place third in League A Group 1 of the Nations League.

That meant Scotland would have to fight to retain their place in the top tier of the competition, matchup up with Greece in their promotion/relegation playoff.

Despite Greece dominating the first leg, holding 58% possession and taking 24 shots to Scotland's eight, a 33rd-minute Scott McTominay penalty proved the difference, ensuring Scotland hold a one-goal lead heading into the second leg at their home ground.

Greece will be aiming to replicate their performance, with the added quality in front of goal, as they look to overturn the one-goal deficit and secure their promotion to League A.

Ivan Jovanovic's side came agonisingly close to securing automatic promotion to League A, finishing second in League B Group 2, just behind England on goal difference after both teams accumulated 15 points.

A 3-0 defeat to England - their only loss in the group - proved the difference, as they ended with +7 goal difference compared to England's +13, and Greece are now on the verge of being consigned to League B for the next round of the tournament.

However, Greece will look to draw confidence from their recent form when playing away from home, with the Azure & White winning all of their last four matches on the road.

Scotland Nations League form:

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D

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Greece Nations League form:

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Team News

Ryan Christie served a suspension in the reverse fixture, but the midfielder is expected to return to the squad for the upcoming second-leg clash, though he may start on the bench.

Having secured the 1-0 victory in Greece, Clarke may opt to name an unchanged starting 11 on Sunday evening, with McTominay starting behind Che Adams in the attack and Kenny McLean partnering Billy Gilmour at the base of midfield.

As for Greece, Sunday's visitors were able to avoid any injuries or suspensions in the first leg, but Jovanovic may look to make changes as they aim to get back into the tie.

One change may see Vangelis Pavlidis start in place of Fotis Ioannidis at striker, with Christos Tzolis and Giorgos Masouras anticipated to retain their places in wide positions.

Scotland possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; Gilmour, McLean; McGinn, McTominay, Ferguson; Adams

Greece possible starting lineup:

Tzolakis; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Siopis, Mantalos; Masouras, Konstantelias, Tzolis; Pavlidis

We say: Scotland 1-1 Greece

Scotland will be confident as they return to Hampden Park with a 1-0 lead, but Greece must not be underestimated, as they have won all of their last four matches away from home.

Written by

Ellis Stevens

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