Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to World Cup qualifying duties on Thursday night, Scotland will welcome Greece to Hampden.
Scotland
Starting with the hosts, putting four points on the board from their opening two World Cup qualifying appearances, Scotland have enjoyed a rugged start to proceedings. Claiming a maiden Group C victory last time out as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Belarus, Steve Clarke’s camp will be desperate to make a major statement of intent here. Getting their qualifying adventure underway with a 0-0 stalemate away at Denmark on September 5th, the Tartan Army will also be excited by their recent defensive steel. Including a 4-0 romp against Liechtenstein when they travelled to Vaduz for a friendly showdown over the summer, Scotland have recorded three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions. In fact, this is the first time since way back in November 2021 that Clarke’s men have recorded three straight clean sheets.
Scotland Team News
While veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon might be set to turn 43 later in the year, the Hearts shot-stopper could remarkably be handed a full return between the sticks. Despite both missing out last month, the duo of Anthony Ralston and former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney have been reinstalled to Clarke’s squad.
Remarkably finishing 18th in last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, Napoli ace Scott McTominay will play a leading role here. Opening his World Cup qualifying account against Belarus on September 8th, Torino marksman Che Adams will spearhead Clarke’s attack here.
Greece
As for the visitors, last seen putting in a nightmare performance on home soil as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of Denmark, Greece are seeking an immediate response here. However, getting their respective World Cup qualifying adventure underway with a 5-1 romp against Belarus, Ivan Jovanovic’s camp have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine Group C charge. Embarking on a sensational Nations League romp last year, the Ethniki will also be excited by their most recent trip to Glasgow. Booking their League A ticket as they stormed their way to a stunning 3-0 victory at Hampden on March 23rd, the former Panathinaikos boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance in midweek. It should also be highlighted, Greece have won all of their last four showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Greece Team News
Completing a loan switch from Premier League giants Liverpool over the summer, Roma defender Konstantinos Tsimikas will earn a 44th international cap here. West Ham star Konstantinos Mavropanos will start at the heart of Jovanovic’s defence.
Finding the net at Hampden back in March and opening his Champions League account against Atlanta last week, Club Brugge striker Christos Tzolis will play a leading role in attack. 18-year-old sensation Christos Mouzakitis will start in the middle of the park.
Scotland vs Greece Key Factors to Consider
- When Scotland and Greece last met at Hampden on March 23rd, Thursday’s guests stormed their way to a sensational 3-0 romp.
- Greece have won all of their last four showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 8-1.
- Scotland have recorded three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions for the first time since November 2021.
- Greece have shipped just a single goal on foreign soil since June 2024.
- None of the four historic meetings between Scotland and Greece have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a sensational 3-0 romp when they travelled to Hampden for a Nations League showdown back in March, Greece will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Seeking an immediate World Cup qualifying response on Thursday night, we could be set for a nail-biting affair from the Scottish capital. It should also be highlighted, the Tartan Army have recorded three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions for the first time since November 2021. With none of the four historic showdowns between Thursday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a real chess match in Glasgow.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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