UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Group A – Scotland vs Cyprus

Scotland welcome Cyprus to Hampden Park in their opening Group A qualifier for UEFA Euro 2024. 

Victory would see Scotland or Cyprus go top with Spain not playing Norway until Saturday evening.

 

Team News

Jack Hendry is ruled out for Scotland after he withdrew from the squad due to a knee injury and was replaced by Anthony Ralston.

Dominc Hyam meanwhile received a late call-up to boost Steve Clarke’s defensive options and is in line for his first senior international cap.

Cyprus have no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of this match, with St Mirren’s Alex Gogic included in the squad.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Scotland host Cyprus at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Saturday 25 March in a 2pm GMT kick-off, live on Viaplay in UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Scotland are unbeaten in seven meetings against Cyprus in all competitions (W7).
• Cyprus have failed to win any of their three previous visits to Scotland across all competitions (L3), during which they scored two goals and conceded 12 goals.
• Scotland have won each of their last four meetings against Cyprus by 2-1 result (W4).
• Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army lost just one of five home matches in 2022 (W3, D1, L1).
• Cyprus have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions (W2, D1, L3), which came in a 1-0 home win against Greece in September 2022.

 

Prediction

In a tricky group containing Spain and Norway, Scotland certainly need a strong start because it will be wins in their clashes against Cyprus and Georgia, coupled with possible odd point against Spain or Norway which will determine if they qualify for Euro 2024.

Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army though are assured of a play-off spot through their successful Nations League B campaign, but I do feel like they should look to secure automatic qualification given their improved attacking quality but defence does still need shoring up.

Cyprus meanwhile are underdogs and have a poor record against Scotland so will need a huge performance if they’re to snatch anything here, otherwise I fancy Scotland to edge this given how close their recent meetings have proven to be.

Prediction: Scotland 2-1 Cyprus

Result: Scotland 3-0 Cyprus