Scotland need to pick up at least one point against Poland at Hampden Park on Thursday if they want to keep their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 alive. On the other hand the visitors are looking for a victory that would guarantee them a place at the final tournament. Scotland were able to snatch a point in the reverse fixture, the match ended 2-2 after the visitors had lead 2-1.
Scotland are currently fourth in the group behind Germany, Poland and the Republic of Ireland. They can only hope for a playoff spot at the moment, as automatic qualification is not an alternative any more. To reach that playoff place they would need to leapfrog Ireland into third place, something that can happen only if Ireland don't win any of their last two fixtures, against Germany and Poland.
Poland can secure the second spot between runaway leaders Germany if they win against Scotland. If they fail to win Ireland become a real threat for that second spot, with a direct clash between the two sides on Sunday. Striker Robert Lewandowski is in top shape in the Bundesliga, so the Poles will be hoping for him to bag a much-needed goal in Scotland.
Probable line-ups:
Scotland: Marshall - Hutton, R Martin, Hanley, Shinnie - McArthur, Dorrans, Brown, Forrest - Maloney, Fletcher
Poland: Fabianski - Piszczek, Szukala, Glik, Rybus - Maczynski, Jodlowiec, Krychowiak, Grosicki - Lewandowski, Milik
My prediction: Poland to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Scotland win - 2.90 Draw - 3.20 Poland win - 2.75
Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
This was very interesting match.Scotland made a great comeback and they were really close to the victory,but Poland players fought till the end and had a little luck to score a late equiliser. I must mention Robert Lewandowski,he scored twice,again.Fantastic season so far,for him...
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
Scotland were very close to win this important match for them. They were leading until last minute. But, Robert Lewandowski scored late goal. After this draw, Scotland have not any chances to qualify. On the other side, Lewandowski continue with goals. He is top scorer in this qualification with 12 goals.
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Johnajax 8 years ago
I predicted the draw here and I was right about that but I was thinking that we won't see a lot of goals here and I am very surprised with 4 goals. Scotland have great defense and I don't know how they concede two goals. With that equalizer in last minute Poland now is closer to EURO 2016 and I think that they will be at...
I predicted the draw here and I was right about that but I was thinking that we won't see a lot of goals here and I am very surprised with 4 goals. Scotland have great defense and I don't know how they concede two goals. With that equalizer in last minute Poland now is closer to EURO 2016 and I think that they will be at second place right behind Germany.
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sharpe 8 years ago
The 2-2 draw was not in advantage on any of these two teams. Scotland are out of the battle for qualification spots and Poland make their situation uncertain after Ireland win over Germany. Still Poland is a favourite to be on one of the first two places in the group but Ireland also have a big chance now. Important games...
The 2-2 draw was not in advantage on any of these two teams. Scotland are out of the battle for qualification spots and Poland make their situation uncertain after Ireland win over Germany. Still Poland is a favourite to be on one of the first two places in the group but Ireland also have a big chance now. Important games for both teams till the end.
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GREGJO 8 years ago
Robert Lewandowski is in top form. He scored twice again. Ballon D'Or for the Polish striker! He's amazing. Poland will have a tough match on the next matchday but if they can get a minimum of 1 points they won't have to play an extramatch. FT: Scotland vs Poland 2:2
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Johnajax 8 years ago
This will be tight match with small number of goals. For me Poland is better team and they have more chances for win but Scotland know how to play hard defense and it won't be easy to score against them. So my prediction will be boring draw 0-0 but I would like to see great match with a lot of goals but I think that is...
This will be tight match with small number of goals. For me Poland is better team and they have more chances for win but Scotland know how to play hard defense and it won't be easy to score against them. So my prediction will be boring draw 0-0 but I would like to see great match with a lot of goals but I think that is impossible.
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GREGJO 8 years ago
I really miss Blaszczykowski from this Polish team. I think he'll play so this will be the lineup: Fabianski - Piszczek, Szukala, Glik, Rybus - Blaszczykowski, Maczynski, Krychowiak, Grosicki - Lewandowski, Milik. This could be a more attack minded team and with the Lewandowski - Milik duo they can be a very dangerous...
I really miss Blaszczykowski from this Polish team. I think he'll play so this will be the lineup: Fabianski - Piszczek, Szukala, Glik, Rybus - Blaszczykowski, Maczynski, Krychowiak, Grosicki - Lewandowski, Milik. This could be a more attack minded team and with the Lewandowski - Milik duo they can be a very dangerous team. Scotland will be without Ikechi Anya, James Morrison and Charlie Mulgrew. I think this could be an easy win for Poland. My prediction is Poland to win by 2:0.
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