Scotland kick off their Euro 2020 qualifying bid with a trip to Kazakhstan as they look to reach their first major finals since the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
In Group I which contains Belgium and Russia. this is a must win for the Scots if they’re to stand any chance of challenging for qualification, with the top two progressing to next summer’s Euros.
Team news
Kazakhstan team news is unclear at time of publication.
Scotland will be without captain, Andrew Robertson who has undergone dental surgery. The Liverpool fullback however will be available for Sunday’s trip to San Marino.
Kieran Tierney is sidelined with a groin problem whilst Cardiff and Bournemouth have respectively denied Callum Paterson and Ryan Fraser to play on Astana Arena’s plastic pitch.
Liam Kelly, Marc McNulty, John Fleck, Liam Palmer and Stuart Findlay could all make their international debuts, after injuries ruled out Jordan Archer, Barry Bannan and Charlie Mulgrew.
Stat Attack
- This is the first meeting between Kazakhstan and Scotland.
- Kazakhstan have suffered just one defeat in their last six matches, keeping clean sheets in their two wins and their three draws all finished 1-1 (W2, D3, L1).
- Scotland have won just one of their last three Euro Qualifiers with that victory being a 6-0 home win over Faroe Islands in September 2006 (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
If Scotland can quickly adjust to the plastic pitch and play a high energy attack here, I can see them winning comfortably.
Kazakhstan however are in decent home form so will pose a stern test but it will eventually be an away win.
Prediction: Kazakhstan 1-2 Scotland
Result: Kazakhstan 3-0 Scotland