Scotland vs Republic of Ireland – Sport Grill

Scotland welcome Republic of Ireland to Hampden Park, Glasgow, in a crunch UEFA Nations League B1 clash. 

Victory would see Scotland stay top and ultimately seal promotion if Ukraine fail to beat Armenia elsewhere, whilst Ireland must win to keep their promotion hopes alive.

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Nathan Patterson is ruled out for Scotland after he suffered a suspected knee injury in Wednesday’s win over Ukraine.

David Turnbull (knock) is also ruled out and has alongside Patterson withdrawn from the squad, with Declan Gallagher and Josh Doig consequently called up to replace the pair.

Ireland have a near full squad available for selection with only Andrew Omobamidele having withdrawn, due to a groin injury which forced him to return to Norwich for treatment.

Stat Attack

• Scotland lost their only previous Nations League meeting against Republic of Ireland – having suffered a 3-0 defeat in Dublin in June 2022.
• Republic of Ireland have won two of four previous away visits to Scotland in all competitions (W2, L2).
• Scotland have won two of three previous competitive home fixtures against Ireland in all competitions (W2, L1).
• John McGinn has scored in each of Scotland’s last two matches, albeit with both of his goals scored after half-time.
• Ireland have conceded once in each of their two away matches in the group (D1, L1).

Prediction

Having confidently dominated Ukraine in midweek to claim an eventually deserved win, Scotland now need to bring more of that same quality but only more clinical because their finishing was pretty shocking until McGinn found the breakthrough goal to unlock that final edge.

Ireland though comfortably trashed Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army in Dublin in June and know that this is an absolute must-win to keep their promotion hopes alive, so a repeat performance of their robust defending and creative attacking will be required here.

The opening minutes of this match therefore will be key because if Scotland start like they did against Ukraine, I struggle to see Ireland getting anything more than a draw but anything could happen if the visitors can limit Scotland and take their own chances.

Prediction: Scotland 2-1 ROI