A International Reset
It wasn’t long ago that both teams were playing at the Euros in Germany. However, it was a summer to forget as Scotland and Poland failed to make it past the group stages. Neither team impressed, so they will be using this game as an opportunity to reset and build towards the World Cup in 2026.
Clarke Needs To Change
There is no doubt that Scotland have progressed since Steve Clarke took charge in 2019, and they have made it to the last two Euros. It’s just tactical awareness, rash decisions, and the lack of a proper goal scorer that have cost them at major tournaments. These are areas Clarke will be looking to improve on over the next couple of years.
A Light Scotland Attack
Their squad coming into this game looks a little thin, especially with their attacking options. Che Adams, who has been leading the line for them, has withdrawn from the squad due to injury. Therefore they are going to be reliant on Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland, who aren’t prolific. Clarke has tended to side with Dyche, so he’ll probably start against Poland on Thursday night.
McTominay Scotland’s Talisman
One player who has carried the hopes of Scotland on his shoulders the last couple of years has been Scott McTominay. The 27-year-old has bagged eight goals for his country since the beginning of last year, and most of them have been the winning ones in some big games for Scotland. Despite his impressive record for Scotland, he’s always had mixed views on his ability, especially at club level. It’s interesting to see that he has now moved to Napoli after being a marmite character at Manchester United. I think he can step up to the challenge in Italy, and he’ll come into this game with a bit of self-confidence after his big move. At 10/3 to score anytime against Poland, I wouldn’t be surprised he got a goal.
Poland Need To Get Back To Winning Ways
When it comes to Poland, their manager, Michal Probierz, he has done a mixed job with the Eagles. He was appointed in September last year winnng six of his first ten games in charge, but at the Euro’s his form dipped.
Time Up For Lewandowski?
Poland’s team is still revolved around their star striker, Robert Lewandoski. He is still one of the best centre for wards in the world, but there have been signs his best days might be behind him when it comes to the international stage. So far in 2024 he’s only scored one goal in six games, and that came from a penalty. Maybe with Scotland’s leaky defence he will be able to get on the scoresheet, but at 17/10 to score anytime is too short.
The Poles are also pretty steady at the back. They can field the likes of Jan Bednarek from Southampton and Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal, who are solid players. Therefore, I don’t see them conceding too many chances, especially with a blunt-looking Scottish attack.
Overall, I think this will be a tight game, and I see the game being a low-scoring draw. I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw at 11/2.
Scotland v Poland Selections
Scott McTominay To Score Anytime (10/3)
Scotland 1-1 Poland Correct Score (11/2)
