Scotland continue preparations for their Euro 2020 Qualifying Play-offs as they take on Cyprus at the GSP Stadium, Nicosia in a dead rubber Group I tie.
Victory for Scotland will lift them up to third ahead of their final qualifier against Kazakhstan on Tuesday, whereas Cyprus can secure third themselves with a win coupled with anything less than all three points for Kazakhstan against San Marino.
Team news
Cyprus have no fresh injury concerns although defender, Konstantinos Laifis is suspended after picking up a third yellow card against Russia last month.
Scotland will be without defender, Liam Copper who withdrew earlier this week with a groin injury which he suffered last weekend in Leeds’ 2-1 win over Blackburn.
Andrew Robertson and Scott McTominay are both absent with ankle injuries whilst Ryan Fraser withdrew due to a knee concern.
Hibernian defender, Ryan Porteous has therefore received his first international call-up whilst Lewis Morgan and Graeme Shinnie have also been brought in as replacements.
Stat Attack
- Scotland have won all six previous meetings with Cyprus in all competitions (W6).
- The Tartan Army have conceded in each of their last four clashes with Cyprus, although they ran out 2-1 winners in the latter three meetings.
- No Scottish international from their last trip to Cyprus in November 2011 feature in the current squad.
Prediction
This is a huge test for Scotland because if they can’t beat teams like Cyprus and Kazakhstan, then they have real issues heading into March’s Play-Offs so getting a win here will be key for momentum purposes.
Robertson and McTominay’s absences will also definitely be felt in term of attack but if the Tartan Army can dig deep, they should be able to squeeze a win somehow.
Prediction: Cyprus 1-2 Scotland
Result: Cyprus 1-2 Scotland
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