Can the Greeks avenge their recent defeat in Glasgow?
Despite losing their primary goal of qualifying for the World Cup, Greece have another objective: to take revenge in front of their fans during their final home match at the Karaiskakis Stadium. Scotland have already secured a playoff spot, but to challenge for the top position in the group, they must defeat Greece. Will they manage it in Piraeus?
Head-to-Head
This year alone, the teams have faced each other three times. The first two encounters were during the Nations League playoffs, where Greece won on aggregate 3-1 over two legs. On October 9, the teams met again in Glasgow for the World Cup qualifiers, where Scotland turned the game around from the 80th minute to win 3-1.
Under Ivan Jovanovic, Greece failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, losing three consecutive matches in Group C. The campaign started with a 0-3 home defeat to Denmark, followed by 1-3 losses away to Scotland and Denmark. After four rounds, Greece have only three points, from a 5-1 victory over Belarus. The upcoming match carries two objectives: seeking revenge and bidding farewell to the fans for the year.
Scotland remain unbeaten in Group C. In September, they drew 0-0 in Copenhagen, then defeated Belarus away 2-0. In October, they played two home matches at Hampden Park, first avenging the Nations League defeat to Greece (3-1) and then overcoming Belarus again (2-1). With 10 points, Scotland have secured at least a playoff spot. A win over Greece and a victory against Denmark in their final home match could see them qualify directly for the World Cup, where they last appeared in 1998.
Latest news
Greece
Coach Ivan Jovanovic said:
"The last qualification games were disappointing. The defeats knocked us out of the race for a World Cup spot. We had the qualities to achieve better results. The remaining matches are against high-caliber opponents. We need to play well, represent Greece with dignity, and strive to get back to winning ways."
All called-up players are fit and ready for the match.
Scotland
Lawrence Shankland returns to the squad after last featuring a year ago. Ross McCrorie is back to bolster the defense, alongside Josh Doig, who missed October’s fixtures. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn will miss the November camp due to injury, paving the way for Scott Bain, who last played for Scotland in 2019.
Referee and Yellow Cards
The match will be officiated by Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain), who averages 4 yellow cards per game in his last 10 matches. Greece have received 9 yellow cards in their last 4 games, Scotland 8. The average total of yellow cards in their three head-to-head encounters this year is 2.33 for Greece and 1.67 for Scotland. We predict Greece’s individual yellow cards to exceed 1.5.
Goal Prediction
The average total goals in the last three head-to-head clashes is 2.67, with each side averaging 1.33 goals. Scotland are likely to score (over 0.5 individual goals), as they continue their pursuit of the top spot and have scored in 7 of their last 8 away matches.
Corner Prediction
In head-to-head matches, Greece hold a slight edge in corners with 4 per match compared to Scotland’s 3.33. Across four rounds, Greece have averaged 6 corners per game, while Scotland have averaged 4.25. We predict the total corners in this match will be under 10.5.
Editorial Prediction
This will be the fourth meeting between these teams in nine months, carrying significant weight. Greece previously relegated Scotland in the Nations League, but last month, the Scots dashed Greece’s World Cup hopes. Greece will aim to retaliate and prevent Scotland from securing direct qualification. Meanwhile, Denmark are expected to defeat Belarus before traveling to Glasgow.
We predict both teams to score, but a Scottish victory is uncertain. A 1-1 draw is a realistic outcome.
