Saturday evening features an intriguing Nations League contest between Croatia and Scotland, which kicks off in Zagreb at 5pm UK and Ireland time.
Scotland have been in dire form in recent months, winning just one of their last 14 games. That lone success was against humble Gibraltar, so the Tartan Army have had little to cheer about lately.
- CHE ADAMS FIRST GOALSCORER
- OVER 3.5 GOALS
- CROATIA TO WIN 3-1
Bet On The Nations League
Adams To Get Scots Going
It is a great relief to Scotland manager Steve Clarke that he can name Torino forward Che Adams in his starting line-up. The in-form striker has had his fair share of recent injury issues, but he is fit and firing ahead of the trip to Zagreb.
There seems every chance that Scotland start this game on the front foot - injury problems mean the visitors may have to set up more offensively than normal - and Adams appears set to lead the attack, with the odds about him scoring the first goal of the game seeming generous.
Adams has made an impressive start to life as a Serie A player and is growing in confidence all the time. He was a prolific frontman for Sheffield United, Birmingham and Southampton before moving to Torino, where he has netted three times in seven games.
Back Adams to get the Tartan Army off to a bright start in Zagreb.
CHE ADAMS FIRST GOALSCORER
Goals Likely In Zagreb
Injuries have ripped the heart out of the Scotland squad and the visitors appear particularly vulnerable in defence. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn is unavailable, meaning 41-year-old Craig Gordon is set to get the job of Scotland custodian.
Celtic defender Greg Taylor is another major absentee, while a quartet of English Premier League stars are also out of the squad - Nathan Patterson, Aaron Hickey, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn.
Given the much-changed Scotland rearguard, Croatia will fancy their chances of satisfying the Zagreb crowd. Serie A boys Adams and Scott McTominay could get some joy at the other end for Scotland, though, and four or more goals in the game seems entirely feasible.
OVER 3.5 GOALS
Croatia's Depth To Prove Decisive
Nailing the correct score will always yield a healthy return and a 3-1 home win is nominated as the best course of punting action.
Expect Scotland to perform well in the first half when full of energy and carrying a strong desire to end this barren spell of success, but the lack of quality options at Steve Clarke's disposal may see the visitors wilt in the second half.
Croatia have a potent and vastly experienced side, led by the evergreen Luka Modric, and they should prove too canny for Scotland. Croatia won this fixture 3-1 at Hampden Park in Euro 2020 and the same scoreline may be on the cards at the Maksimir Stadium on Saturday.
Andrej Kramaric will be hoping to win his 99th cap for Croatia, while Modric should represent his country for a 181st time, underlining the ringcraft of the home side.
CROATIA TO WIN 3-1
