Scotland will travel to Greece in search of a positive result that could put them within touching distance of automatic World Cup qualification.
Steve Clarke’s squad face a critical assignment in Greece as they bid to maintain their World Cup qualification hopes. Scotland sit level on points with group leaders Denmark but trail by six goal difference, meaning a positive result in Piraeus is essential.
The Tartan Army’s World Cup dream could become a reality if they secure at least a draw against Greece and then defeat Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Greece vs Scotland – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 15th November.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki, Pireas.
Greece team news
The Greek attack will be spearheaded by forward Vangelis Pavlidis from SL Benfica. Alongside him, Christos Tzolis, will provide attacking impetus. The attack will be supported by experienced players including Anastasios Bakasetas from Panathinaikos, and Dimitrios Kourbelis in central midfield. Defender Georgios Vagiannidis from Sporting CP will marshal the backline alongside Konstantinos Koulierakis and Konstantinos Mavropanos. Goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos might retain his place between the posts for Greece.
Manager Ivan Jovanovic has called up Nectarios Triantis – and the uncapped 18-year-old forward Charalampos Kostoulas. Both might make an appearance and will look to provide a positive impact for their national team.
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the match with midfielder Billy Gilmour ruled out due to an adductor injury picked up with Napoli. The 24-year-old remains a possibility for the crucial Denmark fixture, with assistant coach Steven Naismith indicating there is “a good, realistic possibility” of him returning for that encounter.
Additional injury concerns have also forced changes, with Lennon Miller and Ross McCrorie withdrawn from the squad, with Rangers midfielder Connor Barron and West Ham’s Andy Irving called up as replacements.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn faces competition from 42-year-old Craig Gordon, who has not made a competitive appearance since last season but could start in Greece. The defence will feature Aaron Hickey at right-back, John Souttar, Scott McKenna, and Andrew Robertson at left-back. The midfield will feature John McGinn and Kenny McLean, with Scott McTominay operating as a playmaker. Leading the attack will be Che Adams of Torino, partnered by Ben Gannon Doak on the wing.
Form
Greece
Greece have struggled significantly in their qualifying campaign, managing just one victory from their opening four matches. Their most recent outing saw them suffer a damaging 3-1 defeat away to Denmark, following their home loss to Scotland in October.
Scotland
Steve Clarke’s men have impressed recently, securing victories against Belarus twice and drawing with Denmark while picking up a crucial 3-1 comeback win over Greece at Hampden Park.
Scotland demonstrated their mental resilience in October, overturning a deficit to stun the visiting Greeks and keep their qualification hopes alive. Their form heading into this fixture is positive.
Predicted lineups
Greece: Vlachodimos; Rota, Restos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Zafeiris, Kourbelis; Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis.
Scotland: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Gannon-Doak, Adams, Christie.
How to watch Greece vs Scotland?
UK fans can watch the match live on BBC Two and BBC Scotland. The broadcast will also be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online, allowing supporters to catch all the action on phones, laptops, and game consoles.
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