Croatia Vs Scotland Team News And Predicted Lineups Ahead Of Nations League Clash In Zagreb

With Steve Clarke’s side chasing a first win of this year’s competition, here’s our Croatia Vs Scotland team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday’s clash in Zagreb.

Scotland have lost both of their opening two matches in League A Group 1. Croatia, meanwhile, have a win and a loss so far and are still in contention for the knockout stages.

The Scots lost 2-1 in Portugal before a 3-2 defeat at home to Poland. Despite the defeats, there were encouraging signs for the Tartan Army, but Croatia will be another stern test.

Saturday’s hosts were also beaten 2-1 in Lisbon, but overcame Poland 1-0 on home soil.

Veteran captain and Croatian legend Luka Modric was the difference against the Poles. His superb free-kick sealed victory in Osijek and kept Croatia in the hunt for knockout qualification.

As the sun sets on Croatia’s ‘golden generation’, long-time manager Zlatko Dalic is eyeing the Nations League as one last opportunity to win that elusive piece of silverware.

With second place in the group enough for qualification, Croatia are in a good position to reach the next phase, but will be up against a Scottish outfit determined to notch their first win.

Scotland have had the better of these two sides historically. They have won two of their six meetings to Croatia’s one, though Croatia’s victory was in the pair’s most recent fixture at Euro 2021.

Croatia Vs Scotland Team News

Croatia Team News

Following the retirements of Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, Croatia have also been missing defenders Josip Stanisic and Martin Erlic.

Thankfully for them, Erlic is at least back in contention and could start tomorrow night.

But Zlatko Dalic will still be without both Marin Pongracic and Lovro Majer through injury, leaving the manager short of options.

He will, however, be able to select Andrej Kramaric, who edged closer to his 100th national team cap and will be one away if he plays against Scotland.

Kramaric will hope to soon the veteran quarter of Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic, all of whom are already past 100 appearances for Croatia.

There may also be a start for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Igor Matanovic, who made his senior debut last month.

Scotland Team News

For Scotland, their main attacking options are both now playing in Italy’s Serie A. Former Southampton striker Che Adams has hit the ground running at Torino, whilst ex-Manchester United man Scott McTominay is enjoying life at Napoli.

McTominay has 11 goals for Scotland, all of which have come in competitive fixtures.

Having named an unchanged side in the opening two Nations League games, Steve Clark has been forced into some alterations.

Angus Gunn misses out through injury, meaning a recall for veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon at 41 years of age.

With Celtic fullback Greg Taylor withdrawing, there’s a chance for Aberdeen’s Jack MacKenzie. Meanwhile, MacKenzie’s club teammate Kevin Nisbet has come in to replace injured Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.

Scotland continue to be without four Premier League stars, with John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Kieran Tierney all still out.

Croatia Vs Scotland Predicted Lineups:

Croatia predicted lineup:

Livakovic; Erlic, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Pjaca, Kovacic, Modric, Baturina, Sosa; Matanovic, Kramaric

Scotland predicted lineup:

Gordon; Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; McClean, Gilmour; Doak, McTominay, Christie; Adams