Scotland increases their bid for a slot in its first major tournament in 23 years this week. The side takes on side Israel in the Euro 202 qualifying playoff. The match schedules for Thursday evening at Hampden Park with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Winners of the playoff will take on either side Norway or Serbia for a play in the next year’s rearranged finals that will be staged across Europe. There are some games scheduled to take place in Glasgow.
Both sides are forming a good reputation for meeting against each other in this competition. They also met in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 UEFA Nations League tournaments. Both sides also met less than a month ago in the same venue ending in a 1-1 draw.
The reverse fixture for the match sees both sides prepare for face against each other at Netanya. However, both teams remain focused on proceeding to the next round of the Euros competition this Thursday.
March set to host this competition and follow with June but was interrupted with the coronavirus pandemic. Israel has struggled so far in the competition, having finished fifth in the qualifying group. Both teams can boast of having a decent time during the qualification matches in the Euros 2020. Following a draw in their last outing, the game is for anyone to take.
Scotland vs. Israel Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with both teams taking home one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
The Czech Republic 1-2 Scotland
Scotland 1-1 Israel
Scotland 3-1 Kazakhstan
Cyprus 1-2 Scotland
Scotland 6-0 San Marino
Away
Israel 1-1 Slovakia
Scotland 1-1 Israel
North Macedonia 1-0 Israel
Israel 1-2 Poland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
Scotland Team News
Clarke was keen on maintaining the same defensive position for the side. We expect a back three to accommodate Kieran Tierney and Robertson. Liam Palmer is nursing a back injury and could see Robertson climb up the flank. Ryan Fraser is also in contention for a starting XI on the left flank.
Israel Team News
Two significant blows for the visitors await them with two positive coronavirus tests in their camps: Left-back Tabel Tawatha and central midfielder Dor Peretz. Mohamad Abu Fani and Dan Bitton received their first international call-ups.
Prediction and Odds
Both sides have a win and draw from their last encounters, and we expect a tight match that heads into extra time.
Draw
Both Teams to Score
Goals Under 2.5
