Serbia welcome Scotland to the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade in their Qualifying Play-Off Final for a spot at next summer’s Euro Finals.
The winner of this tie will join England, Croatia and Czech Republic in Group D at next summer’s tournament, with the Tartan Army having two home matches in their group if they can progress from this match.
Team News
Milos Veljkovic is ruled out for Serbia after Werder Bremen refused to release him for international duty to quarantine concerns upon re-entry to Germany.
Filip Djuricic is also sidelined as he must self-isolate after a positive Coronavirus test.
Scotland will be without Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley after both players withdrew due to hamstring injuries.
Stat Attack
- Serbia are unbeaten in two previous meetings against Scotland, of which both clashes came during Qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup (W1, D1).
- Scotland lost their only previous trip to Serbia which came during qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup, losing 2-0 with Filip Djuricic scoring twice in six minutes for the hosts midway through the second-half.
- Ryan Christie has scored in each of Scotland’s last two away trips in all competitions, netting against Cyprus and Czech Republic respectively.
Prediction
With a spot at the Euros next summer on offer, Scotland will need to produce a superb defensive display against a strong Serbian akin to recent performances combined with sharp finishing if they are to stand any chance at earning themselves two home games at the Finals next summer.
Serbia meanwhile struggled to finish chances in their Qualifying Play-Off semi-final against Norway so if Steve Clarke can get his defensive tactics spot on and the defenders defend like a proper pack, Scotland could well have the edge if they can finish clinically like they have demonstrated that they can do judging by their recent goals.
Prediction: Serbia 1-2 Scotland
Result: Serbia 1-1 Scotland (Scotland win 5-4 on penalties)