Scotland commence their 2022-23 UEFA Nations League campaign with a home clash against Armenia at Hampden Park.
Victory could see Scotland go top depending on the result of Republic of Ireland’s clash against Ukraine, whereas a win would see Armenia stay top of the group.
Team News
Lyndon Dykes is ruled out for Scotland after he suffered a quad injury in training, which has forced the striker to withdraw from the squad.
Goalkeeper, David Marshall also won’t feature after he decided to retire with immediate effect ahead of the match, although manager – Steve Clarke otherwise has a full squad available for selection.
Armenia will be without Lucas Zelaryan after he withdrew from the squad due to a muscle injury, which prevented him from featuring in Saturday’s win over Republic of Ireland.
Stat Attack
- This is Scotland’s first-ever meeting against Armenia across all competitions.
- Armenia are visiting Scotland for the very first time in all competitions.
- In nine previous meetings against British Isle nations across all competitions, Armenia have avoided defeat on seven occasions (W3, D4, L2).
- Scotland have scored in each of their last nine matches in all competitions, during which they netted 14 goals in total.
- Armenia have conceded 17 goals in their last four away matches in all competitions, during which they netted just once themselves – in which they drew 1-1 against Iceland in October 2021.
Prediction
Following a lacklustre home performance last week against Ukraine packed with poor defensive errors and wasted chances despite showing great pace and movement in attacking build-up, Scotland now need to deliver a huge response to appease home fans against easier opposition.
Armenia though are top of the group after snatching a clinical win over Ireland on Saturday and won’t be eager to relinquish that early advantage, so I expect them to come here and try make life as tricky as possible despite their recent poor defensive record on the road.
I however am going for a home win if Scotland are more organised in defensive discipline and their attacking end product is of better quality than last time out.
Prediction: Scotland 2-0 Armenia
Result: Scotland 2-0 Armenia