Scotland vs Portugal predictions: More Nations League pain for Scots

- Scotland have lost first three Nations League Group A1 games
- Portugal top the group with three wins
- Recommended bet: Portugal to win and both teams to score

Scotland's 2-1 defeat in Croatia means it is three Nations League Group A1 defeats out of three and things look set to get worse for Steve Clarke's side when they entertain leaders Portugal next.

The Scots have been narrowly beaten by Poland 3-2 at home, they then lost 2-1 in Lisbon against Tuesday's opponents before Saturday's loss in Zagreb by the same scoreline.

On each occasion, Clarke's side have battled well, taking the lead in two of the three games, but ultimately they have nothing to show for their efforts so far in what is proving to be a very difficult top group in the Nations League.

Team news

Scotland came through their trip to Croatia without any fresh reported injuries, but remain without Angus Gunn, Lawrence Shankland, Greg Taylor and James Forrest for the home game against Portugal after they were all ruled out prior to Saturday's clash.

The injury-hit hosts also head into Tuesday's game with John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Scott McKenna still absent.

Liverpool youngster Ben Doak caught the eye on his first senior start and should keep his place out wide on the right, while Che Adams is in contention to replace Lyndon Dykes up front.

Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record-extending 133rd goal for his country in the 3-1 win over Poland on Saturday and he will expect to start in Glasgow, with Diogo Jota likely to have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Centre-back Goncalo Inacio remains unavailable due to injury, while Joao Palhinha, Francisco Conceicao and Tomas Araujo were all left out against the Poles but could return to the squad.

The stats

Scotland last won a competitive match 13 months ago when they beat Cyprus 3-0 in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Scotland have only won one of their last 14 games.

Portugal have won four of their last five matches, with their only blemish coming against France in the Euros in the summer when they lost on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Portugal have won the last four meetings between the sides with Scotland's last victory over Portugal coming in March 1980.

Prediction

Scotland knew going up against Portugal, Croatia and Poland in Group A1 in the Nations League would be a stiff examination of their international credentials and so far they have been found wanting, despite some spirited displays.

Three defeats out of three make for grim reading to leave Clarke's men staring at relegation back down to Group B.

After a tough summer at Euro 2024, the wait goes on for a victory and it is now five defeats in their last seven games.

There have been some positives to cling to during that run as Clarke's side have at least been competitive in the majority of their matches, scoring in all three games, with only late goals denying them of draws against Poland and Portugal in their first two Nations League outings.

They took the lead on Saturday against Croatia, too, but were on the end of another narrow defeat as the hosts came from behind to win.

Scotland were again denied a point after some late drama when VAR ruled Kristijan Jakic's own goal out for offside against Che Adams and they will be confident of causing Portugal some problems on the counter-attack and they should score at Hampden.

However, Portugal have won all three games in the group and should make it four from four.

Back Portugal to win and both teams to score at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet.

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