Scotland vs Croatia predictions: Scots should stand firm at Hampden
- Scotland ended their four-game losing streak with a 0-0 draw against Portugal
- Croatia's squad includes Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric
- Recommended bet: Draw
Scotland claimed a gutsy 0-0 draw against Portugal in their last Nations League fixture, ending a hugely frustrating run of defeats for Steve Clarke's men.
They had conceded crucial late goals against Hungary at Euro 2024 and in their first two Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal.
Scotland had an injury-time effort ruled out for offside in October's 2-1 defeat to Croatia but they welcome back some key players from injury for Friday's return fixture against Zlatko Dalic's side.
Team news
Scotland's injury crisis has eased and John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, Greg Taylor, Lawrence Shankland and Tommy Conway are back in the squad.
Forwards Che Adams and Lewis Morgan have been ruled out so former Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong has been called up.
Croatia are missing injured defenders Martin Erlic and Dominik Prpic, while midfielder Lovro Majer and striker Bruno Petkovic are also sidelined.
The stats
Scotland have won only one of their last 16 internationals.
Three of the Scots' four Nations League results have been defeats in which both teams have scored.
Both teams have scored in six of Scotland's last eight matches.
Croatia have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight games.
Eight of Croatia's last 10 matches have featured over 2.5 goals.
Croatia have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven internationals.
Prediction
Scotland's only victory in their last 16 matches was a friendly win over Gibraltar but their performances have merited better results.
They competed well in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the Euros — the Swiss went on to take England to a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals — and the decisive goals in their last four defeats were scored in the 100th, 97th, 88th and 70th minutes.
The return of Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is a boost for the Scots, who also have Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Napoli pair Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour and exciting youngster Ben Doak in the squad.
A win may be beyond the hosts, especially as Torino striker Che Adams has been ruled out, but they competed well in a narrow 2-1 loss away to Croatia and can hold out for a draw at Hampden Park.
Croatia failed to make the last 16 at the Euros, losing to Spain and drawing with Albania and Italy in the group stage.
Their Nations League form has been patchy too. They lost 2-1 in Portugal, needing a Diogo Dalot own goal to get on the scoresheet, before unconvincing home wins over Poland and Scotland.
Last time out, Croatia blew a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 in Poland and they may have to settle for a point on their trip to Glasgow as well.
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