STEVE CLARKE’S aces will be looking to overcome the odds by sealing a home turf win against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
But the plucky Scots have suffered a blow to their plans with Billy Gilmour, 20, out of action following a positive Covid-19 test days after their draw with England.
Croatia’s Hampden Park clash with Scotland, who are bottom of Group D, is a must-win encounter for Zlatco Dalic’s men who are third.
And their clash can be watched on ITV and STV at 8pm BST this evening.
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What’s the form?
Croatia, who are skippered by one-time Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, 35, have have drawn two of their last four international games
The Blazers’ picked up their last win back in March with a 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat of Malta.
And they lost SIX of their last 11 matches on the international stage – including a 1-0 loss to the Three Lions – following a lacklustre Euros opening performance.
Meanwhile Scotland battled their way to a vital point against Gareth Taylor’s side after enduring a 2-0 loss to group leaders the Czech Republic.
Should Clarke’s men seal a win they could snatch second spot if England lose to the Czech Republic and if they beat the Three Lions on goal difference.
Should they finish third they will need to best the record of third-placed teams in the tournament’s other groups.
The same would apply for Dalic’s side were they to beat their rivals at Hampden Park with the four best third-placed teams eligible to reach the next stage of the tournament.
A loss for Scotland would see them miss out on the chance to reach the Euros last-16.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Croatia are waiting to see if Rangers’ left-back Borna Barisic will be available after missing his side’s first two games due to a back injury.
Meanwhile it is thought Scotland could look to bring Scott McTominay back into midfield to replace Gilmour and draft Liam Cooper or Jack Hendry in defence.
Other midfield options include Stuart Armstrong who put in a decent shift against England alongside Che Adams after coming on as a second-half sub.
And Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic, Dejan Lovren, Marcelo Brozovic, and Duje Caleta-Car could also miss out on a last-16 clash if they pick up cautions.
Scotland duo McGinn and O’Donnell (Scotland) will be suspended if they are booked.
Billy was going to start as you would imagine after the way he played against England. So I have a change I need to mull over and think about. Hopefully I’ll come up with the right solution for the game
Steve Clarke
Watch out for…
Clarke deploying Kieran Tierney, 24, and Andy Robertson, 27, to attack Croatia down the left
The form of the full-back Sime Vrsaljko, who is back-up to Kieran Trippier at Atletico Madrid, is thought to have dipped since the 2018 World Cup.
And Vrsaljko is reported to have fallen down Diego Simeone’s pecking order at Atletico.
Scotland could decide to target Vrsaljko via Tierney and Robertson.
If the game is rubbish…..
Izabel Kovacic, 28, will be hoping her Chelsea ace husband Mateo, 27, can pull off a win
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Since 2015, who bears a striking resemblance to singer Shakira has been selling moccasins, pillows and other products via the firm alongside older sister Ivana.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds?
- Lyndon Dykes first goalscorer 15/2 @ Betfair
- Croatia to win 6/5 @ Paddy Power
- Scotland to win 21/10 @ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
