Scotland’s tenure in the UEFA Nations League’s top tier hangs in the balance this Friday, as they face a high-stakes clash against League A Group 1 rivals Croatia.

Scotland’s tenure in the UEFA Nations League’s top tier hangs in the balance this Friday, as they face a high-stakes clash against League A Group 1 rivals Croatia. A loss for the Scots, combined with Poland managing at least a draw against Portugal, would seal their relegation. Even a draw might not be enough, as a surprise Polish victory would push Scotland down the rankings. Meanwhile, Croatia is on the verge of securing a quarter-final spot, adding to the tension of this critical showdown. Though Scotland managed to scrape a hard-fought point last month, their current Nations League campaign has been challenging. After a disappointing Euro 2024 exit, Steve Clarke’s squad began their campaign with three straight defeats, putting them at the bottom of Group 1. Despite a resilient 0-0 draw with group leaders Portugal, Scotland is still in a precarious position, needing results to avoid relegation to League B. The pressure on Clarke has eased slightly after the Portugal result, yet Scotland remains in their longest-ever winless stretch at home (six matches) and is enduring a ten-match drought without a competitive victory. Failure to secure maximum points against Croatia on Friday would see them match their longest winless sequence, last recorded in 1998. The story could have been different; late goals conceded against Portugal and Poland and a contentious VAR decision overturning Che Adams’ equaliser in Zagreb have all cost Scotland crucial points. With two fixtures left, Scotland needs at least four points to avoid automatic relegation. Even third place in the group could lead to a relegation playoff. Croatia, however, has never won in Scotland, their last visit to Hampden in 2013 ending in a 2-0 loss during a World Cup qualifier. Last month, goals from Igor Matanovic and Andrej Kramaric gave Croatia victory over the Scots, but a thrilling 3-3 draw with Poland three days later kept them just shy of securing a quarter-final spot. The 2023 Nations League runners-up enter this game on seven points and are close to advancing to the knockout rounds again. A win in Glasgow, or a draw combined with a Portugal win over Poland, would confirm Croatia’s progress with a game to spare. Croatia’s solid form in the Nations League has been impressive; only Greece has won more games in the last two editions, an achievement considering Croatia’s shaky start, where they lost seven of their first ten Nations League matches. In their last 14 away games, Croatia has scored consistently, averaging over two goals per game. They travel to Glasgow with confidence, looking to exploit a vulnerable Scottish defence. Scotland Nations League form:  LLLD Scotland form (all competitions):  DLLLLD Croatia Nations League form:  LWWD Croatia form (all competitions):  DDLWWD For this clash, Scotland will be boosted by the return of Jack Hendry, John McGinn, and Stuart Armstrong. However, Torino striker Che Adams remains sidelined with a thigh injury, so Tommy Conway, Lyndon Dykes, and Lawrence Shankland are all in contention for a starting spot. Dykes has yet to score in League One, while Shankland has only managed one goal this season, despite an impressive 33-goal haul last term. Supporting the forward line will be McGinn and Scott McTominay, with Napoli’s Billy Gilmour set to challenge Croatia’s midfield maestro Luka Modric. The visitors will be without Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic, but Modric and Ivan Perisic bring experience to the squad. Perisic, who has been involved in three goals in two games against Scotland, hasn’t scored in his 18 Nations League appearances. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is suspended, so Augsburg’s Nediljko Labrovic is expected to start in goal. For Scotland, 41-year-old Craig Gordon will continue to deputise for the injured Angus Gunn. Predicted Scotland lineup: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, Hendry, Robertson; McLean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Doak; Dykes Predicted Croatia lineup: Labrovic; Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, Sosa; Baturina, Kramaric; Matanovic  

Will We See a Non-Old Firm Title Winner in Our Lifetimes?

Scottish football has been dominated by Rangers and Celtic for decades, but could another club rise to break the Old Firm stronghold? Kris Boyd believes Hearts may be the team with the best chance to challenge the giants and disrupt the league’s status quo. Boyd explained his reasoning, drawing comparisons to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium:   “I look at what’s going on at Hearts, and I genuinely believe there could be [a chance], you only need to take a quick glimpse at what’s happening in Belgium at what’s happening with a similar set-up with Tony Bloom’s analytical company going in at Union St. Gilloise. There’s similar traits when you look at Belgium. When you take the big ones of Club Brugge and Anderlecht, you could argue they’re like Rangers and Celtic, Union have been able to come through and challenge.” As Bloom’s analytical approach propelled Union Saint-Gilloise to compete against Belgian heavyweights, Boyd sees potential for Hearts to do something similar. The question remains: could this be the dawn of a new era in Scottish football, where a team outside the Old Firm lifts the title? Time will tell.

Rumours Zone: Schmeichel, Deeney, MacLeod, and More

Celtic and Rangers are prepared to make a move for 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller, but Motherwell is expected to hold out for a £4m fee for the Scotland Under-19 international (Daily Mail). Meanwhile, Rangers are keeping tabs on FCSB midfielder Darius Olaru, though the Romanian club would likely demand a substantial fee for the 26-year-old, who is contracted until 2028. Given Rangers’ current financial situation, this may prove challenging for the Scottish Premiership side. Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel anticipates a decision early next year regarding whether the club will activate a 12-month extension option in his contract, keeping the 38-year-old beyond the summer. (Tipsbladet) Troy Deeney reveals he turned down a £40,000-a-week offer from Celtic, choosing instead to sign with Birmingham City for £12,000 weekly after his release from Watford two years ago. (Under The Cosh podcast) St Johnstone are consulting with Benji Kimpioka and his agent as they aim to secure the Swedish striker’s future with an extended contract beyond next summer, before the 24-year-old is free to engage with other clubs in January. (The Courier) Empoli midfielder Liam Henderson is keen to stay in Italy beyond next summer, although the 28-year-old Scot has yet to be offered a contract extension despite making 14 appearances for the Serie A club this season. (Edinburgh Evening News) Scotland Under-19 winger Rory MacLeod hopes to make his loan from Dundee United to Southampton permanent, believing the move to the Premier League club has advanced his career. Southampton holds two options to buy him—one in January and one in the summer. (The Courier) Dundee managing director John Nelms has revealed the Premiership club could receive an additional financial boost in the future following 17-year-old centre-back Seb Lochhead’s £300,000 transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in August. (The Scotsman) Hibernian are preparing to recall Rory Whittaker from his loan at Spartans in January, concerned that the lack of game time with the League 2 club is limiting the 17-year-old right-back’s development. (Edinburgh Evening News) An American-based consortium is in advanced talks to acquire Dunfermline Athletic, with negotiations underway for a seven-figure purchase of the Scottish Championship club from current German owner DAFC Fussball GmbH. (Daily Record) Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin emphasises that securing European football again is crucial for the Premiership club’s ambition to establish a sustained challenge at the top of Scottish football. (Daily Record)  

Resilient Celtic Push Chelsea to Their Limits in Historic Champions League Clash

Chelsea, though not at their best, managed to edge out a resilient Celtic side, maintaining their lead in Group B of the Women’s Champions League. Chelsea’s coach Sonia Bompastor made several line-up adjustments for the trip to Glasgow, and her team had to dig deep to preserve her unbeaten run as manager. It was a landmark night at Celtic Park, hosting its first Women’s Champions League game, and history was made once more. Defying expectations, the Scottish champions struck first. Murphy Agnew broke away from the Chelsea defence, connecting with a superbly curved pass from Amy Gallacher, scoring Celtic’s inaugural goal of the group stage. The goal spurred the Super League champions into action, and just six minutes later, they levelled as Maika Hamano outsmarted Celtic’s keeper, Kelsey Daugherty. Chelsea took the lead within another four minutes, capitalising on a counter-attack as Ashley Lawrence sent a powerful shot into the top of the net, turning the momentum in the first of two back-to-back UK showdowns. Spectators may have anticipated Celtic struggling to keep up, yet they fought admirably throughout a lively second half. Lucy Ashworth-Clifford was a constant threat down the left, delivering a series of dangerous crosses, while Daugherty’s impressive saves kept the game within reach. Though the score remained close, Celtic couldn’t find an equaliser. A red card for Agnes Beever-Jones in stoppage time came too late to be impactful, sealing Celtic’s third defeat in their debut Champions League campaign. Scottish Champions Show Progress and Determination The atmosphere at Celtic Park was electric, reminiscent of when Celtic secured their first SWPL title in May. Their unexpected lead after 22 minutes sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Gallacher’s assist for Agnew showcased the kind of fluid play seen in the SWPL but had been missing in earlier defeats to Twente and Real Madrid. Coach Elena Sadiku noted her team’s progress, which was evident again here. Emma Lawton, who was playing part-time football just months ago, was impressive in containing Guro Reiten, while Shannon McGregor excelled in midfield. Celtic held off Chelsea’s attacks for much of the game, even as fatigue from their recent 120-minute match against Glasgow City began to show. Ashworth-Clifford displayed remarkable energy, showing no hesitation facing Champions League veteran Lucy Bronze, who entered at halftime. Despite concerns of a heavy defeat, the Scottish champions left the field with their pride intact after a spirited performance. Chelsea Push Through Despite Fatigue and Changes Bompastor made bold decisions, resting key players ahead of a weekend clash with Manchester City, resulting in a sluggish start for her side. However, after falling behind, Chelsea’s quality began to emerge, though inconsistently. Bompastor expressed frustration on the sidelines as Chelsea struggled to secure a decisive lead in the second half, with Daugherty’s sharp goalkeeping contributing to the close scoreline. It wasn’t the straightforward win Chelsea may have hoped for, but as a warm-up for their upcoming WSL top-of-the-table clash, it provided a challenging test. Full time:  Celtic 1-2 Chelsea Post-Match Reactions Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert remarked: “The three points are the highlight tonight. Our performance could have been better, but with games every three days, we keep looking forward.” “The atmosphere was intense – I got some stick from the crowd, but I enjoyed it. Celtic were disciplined, organised, and gave us a tough game. We’ll aim to improve for next week.” Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku commented: “Disappointed with the result, but extremely proud of my players. We’re growing more confident and showing we can compete.” “We played some brilliant football, were fearless, and managed to break through Chelsea’s pressure.”