Nations League Tuesday predictions: Scotland can seal promotion

Scotland and Northern Ireland still have plenty to play for going into Tuesday's final round of Nations League matches, while Portugal and Spain go head-to-head for a place in next year's finals. 

Scotland know a draw or victory over Ukraine in Poland will secure promotion up to League A, while Northern Ireland must try to avoid defeat in Greece to keep their League C place.

Portugal will progress from Group A2 at Spain's expense if they do not lose their showdown in Braga. 

Ukraine vs Scotland (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

The stats

After beating Ukraine 3-0 at home last week, Steve Clarke's side followed up with a nervy 2-1 comeback win over the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park. 

That victory, coupled with Ukraine's 5-0 success in Armenia, means both countries can still secure top spot in Group B1 and with it promotion up to the top tier — the Scots needing to avoid defeat and Ukraine requiring all three points. 

This will be the third time these two countries will have met this year with Ukraine winning their World Cup play-off 3-1 in Glasgow on June 1, only to lose the play-off final 1-0 to Wales four days later. 

Scotland have won four of their last six games in total, with a 3-0 loss to Republic of Ireland earlier in the Nations League along with that Ukraine defeat their only setbacks in that period. 

Prediction

Scotland eventually overpowered Ukraine with three goals in the final 20 minutes last week but they struggled to follow up on that display against Ireland when they stumbled to a scrappy, late 2-1 win. 

Ukraine responded well to hammer Armenia and this looks like being a tight clash in Krakow, Poland. 

A draw, which would be enough for Clarke's side, looks a distinct possibility. 

Portugal vs Spain (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

The stats

Avoiding defeat is also the name of the game for Portugal, who host neighbours Spain knowing a point will be enough to secure their place in next summer's Nations League finals. 

Portugal lost 1-0 to Switzerland in June but responded with a fine 4-0 success away at the Czech Republic on Saturday. 

Fernando Santos' side have won three of their last four games to nil and picked up a 1-1 draw in Spain earlier in the group. 

Spain surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to Switzerland on Saturday, their first defeat in nine games in all competitions. 

These two European heavyweights have met 39 times previously, with Spain winning 15 times and Portugal seven, while there have been 17 draws. 

Prediction

Spain's shock home defeat to the Swiss means Portugal have the advantage in Group A2 and their demolition of the Czechs over the weekend shows they are in good order ahead of this big clash. 

A squad containing the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota looks well capable of getting the better of a Spain side who do not carry the same threat in the final third. 

Greece vs Northern Ireland (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

The stats

Greece have already wrapped up top spot in Group C2 and with it promotion to League B after winning four of their first five games. 

Northern Ireland picked up their first ever victory in the Nations League when they scored two goals in the final eight minutes to edge out Kosovo 2-1 on Saturday. 

Ian Baraclough's side, who are third in the group, level on points with bottom-placed Cyprus and a point behind Kosovo, know a draw or win in Athens will be enough to keep them up. 

Prediction

Greece, with promotion already in the bag, slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Cyprus on Saturday and they could again be lacking focus against Northern Ireland. 

The visitors will have been relieved to have finally got their first win in the competition at the 15th attempt last time out and they can follow up with at least a draw in Athens to secure their place in the third tier.