UEFA Nations League: Scotland Can Take  Step Closer to Promotion

Scotland vs Republic of Ireland

Scotland are close to securing a spot in the UEFA Nations League’s League A. A home win against the Republic of Ireland, coupled with Ukraine dropping points against Armenia, would see the Scots clinch that coveted top spot in League B1.

The Scots are coming off a dominant win over Ukraine, which has put them on the cusp of promotion to League A.

But they will face stiff competition from the Republic of Ireland, who handed them their only defeat of the campaign thus far.

Talking Points

Scotland coming off strong win

Scotland kicked off the upcoming round of UEFA Nations League fixtures with a resounding 3-0 win over Ukraine at Hampden Park. The win puts the Scots back on top of Group B1 with nine points, two clear of Ukraine.

Despite having less possession than the visitors, Scotland still dominated the match as they had a massive 24-3 advantage in terms of total shots (8-0 in shots on target).

Ukraine held off for as long as they could amid the barrage of Scottish attacks, but their resistance finally broke in the 70th minute as John McGinn gave the home side the lead. McGinn has now scored 14 international goals in 47 caps, which leads the side – not bad for a midfielder.

Substitutes Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Fraser then combined for two goals in the last 10 minutes to seal the win for the Scots.

Scotland are without captain Andy Robertson during this international break due to injury, but left-back Kieran Tierney of Premier League leaders Arsenal proved to be a more than capable deputy.

Scotland coach Steve Clarke is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting lineup after they played so well against Ukraine. But Dykes and Fraser both made a strong case to start against Ireland after their superb performances as substitutes.

Ireland’s promotion hopes still alive

Ireland’s Nations League run has been a bit of a disappointment. Despite being in a relatively easy group, they still find themselves in third place with four points, just a point above last-placed Armenia.

The Irish suffered a shock loss to the Armenians to begin their campaign and were only able to take a single point from Ukraine, who have experienced their fair share of hardships. The one shining light in Ireland’s run thus far was their 3-0 victory over Scotland.

But despite their struggles, the Irish are still in with a shout to win the group if they win both their remaining matches and Scotland and Ukraine both slip up. Although, the UEFA Nations League 2022 odds of that happening seem remote.

Nevertheless, Stephen Kenny’s side will have nothing to lose when they head to Hampden Park to face Scotland for the second time.

After missing their last match due to injury, young striker Michael Obafemi is back in the squad and looks set to partner Troy Parrott in attack. Obafemi made UEFA Nations League 2022 highlights against Scotland as he scored his first senior international goal and also provided an assist in the 3-0 win.

Meanwhile, captain Seamus Coleman is also back in the fold after missing the last three games and will lead a solid Irish backline that also includes Premier League centre-backs Shane Duffy (Fulham) and Nathan Collins (Wolves).

History

Scotland and Ireland have squared off just 12 times in history. The Irish hold a slight edge in wins, 5-4, with three draws.

The Irish broke their 4-4 tie with their 3-0 win over the Scots in their first UEFA Nations League meeting. Alan Browne, Troy Parrott, and Michael Obafemi got the goals as Ireland recorded their biggest-ever win over Scotland.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Scotland installed as 2.10 favourites to get the home win they need for promotion. Ireland are priced at 3.45, while a draw is 3.20.

As they showed against Ukraine, Scotland are looking strong at the moment. Despite the absence of captain Robertson, they have still have enough dynamism in attack to cause Ireland problems. And while it likely won’t be quite as comfortable as 3-0, I still back Scotland to come away from their clash with the Irish with all three points.

 

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