Steve Clarke’s Scotland will be quite keen enough to start off their campaign in a grand manner when they host the Czech Republic at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday. It will be their first appearance for the Scots in 23 long years. The Scotts are doing well in UEFA Nations League as well.
They are currently second in the group after England’s win over Croatia and a win would be a huge boost going into a tough match against England. Scotland have a good record against the Czech Republic, winning their last three games including a double in the Nations League 2020. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson will lead his nation in one of the glorified tournaments of the world.
It will be a newly looked Scottish side. There are an ample number of young guns on the side who have all the abilities to make a mark. It won’t be surprising if they make it to the Round of 16 considering their form. Drewing against the experienced Netherlands and winning against Luxembourg will boost them before the start of the mega tournament.
On the other hand, the Czech Republic won the qualification to Euro 2020 by finishing second in Group A behind England. They had a bad phase during the 2016 Euros as they failed to win a single group match. Thus losing to Spain and Turkey and squaring against Croatia. 2012 Euros was somewhat worth remembering though.
They were the table toppers of Group A and advanced to the quarter-finals but soon were defeated by Portugal in the quarter-finals courtesy of a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo who made all the difference that night. But this time it will a different scenario for them.
Players to watch out for Scotland and Czech Republic.
Both the sides look equally balanced and strong and will a good match to witness. The sides have got promising young players with the likes of Che Adams (Southampton FC) who had a season to remember scoring 9 goals and assisting 5 for Southampton in the last Premier League season, Kevin Nisbat (Hibernian), John McGinn (Aston Villa) for Scotland. Not to forget Paul Tierney and Andy Robertson who are the potential dark horses for the winner.
Tomas Soucek( West Ham United) and Patrick Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) are the ones for the Czech Republic. The latter will be in direct competition for goal scoring in this game with Che Adams. Schick is one of the bright players of German League Bundesliga managing 9 goals for his club this season. However, he did not the league on a high note failing to score in his last six appearances.
Scotland VS Czech Republic: Team news, injuries and possible starting lineups.
Scotland: Marshall; Tierney, Gallagher, Hanley; O’Donnell, McGinn, McGregor, McTominay, Robertson; Adams, Dykes (3-3-2)
Czech Republic: Vaclik; Coufal, Kalas, Celustka, Boril; Kral, Soucek; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea’s and Scotland’s Billy Gilmour will have to miss the match following a head injury suffered against Luxembourg and he is yet to recover. Other than that no such injuries in both the sides.
Predicted Scoreline:
Scotland 2-1 Czech Republic.
