Scotland-Spain is a match on the second day of Euro 2024 qualifying Group A and is played on Tuesday at 20:45: predictions.
Waiting for Georgia’s eagerly awaited debut in Kvaratskhelia, Scotland and Spain are leading the standings in Group A after the first day of qualifying. The era of Luis de la Fuente, the former Under-21 coach who took over from Luis Enrique in the aftermath of the disappointing World Cup in Qatar, began with a resounding victory.
A new course started with many novelties, which for the moment seem to prove the selector right. Against Norway, who were overwhelmed 3-0 last Saturday in Malaga, de la Fuente, while re-proposing the 4-3-3 of his predecessor, gave space to the various Iago Aspas and Merino, but during the second half he also gave a chance to Yeremi Pino, the former Neapolitan Fabian Ruiz but above all to the 33-year-old Joselu, Espanyol striker, who repaid his trust by scoring a brace in the last ten minutes. Two goals were fundamental in chasing away the fear – even without the injured Haaland, Norway had come close to equalising on a couple of occasions – and allowing Roja to go straight to full points in the table. Spain therefore continue to be unbeaten in European Championship qualifying matches: the Iberians’ last defeat dates back to 2014.
Scotland’s last success dates back to 1984
Consolidating the lead is the next step for de la Fuente, who could make a few changes to the starting line-up in Scotland’s trip to Hampden Park. According to rumours on the eve of the match, the Roja coach could decide to reward Joselu, who appears to be ahead of Morata.
McTominay
In defence David Garcia will challenge Nacho, while the ballots remain tight between Gayà and Balde on the left flank, between Merino and Fabian Ruiz in midfield and between Oyarzabal and Dani Ceballos. This time, however, Iago Aspas could start from the bench. On the other hand, Scotland selector Steve Clarke is leaning towards confirming almost the entire line-up which, three days ago, had beaten the Cyprus representative 3-0 in the historic Glasgow ‘temple’ without any particular problems. The only change as far as the Tartan Army is concerned should concern the midfield, with the inclusion of Manchester United midfielder McTominay – author of a double as a substitute, just like Joselu – in place of Jack. The clear success against the Cypriots is confirmation of the excellent moment this selection is going through, which does not want to miss its second consecutive European Championship. Scotland have not faced Spain since the Euro 2012 qualifiers (which the Roja then won) and the last time the Brits won was in 1984.
The Prediction
One of the weapons at Scotland’s disposal is the home factor: in front of their home crowd, the Tartan Army often manages to overturn the odds, even against higher-ranked national teams such as Spain. La Roja remain slight favourites, but against Norway they were not impeccable defensively and only by pure chance did they keep their goal inviolate. Against the Scots they should struggle more.
Scotland vs Spain line-ups
- SCOTLAND (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Hanley, Porteous, Tierney; Hickey, McGregor, McTominay, Robertson; McGinn, Armstrong; Dykes.
- SPAGNA (4-3-3): Kepa; Carvajal, Nacho, Laporte, Balde; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Dani Ceballos; Yeremi Pino, Gavi, Joselu.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
