With qualification out the window for Cyprus and Scotland in Group I, both teams will be looking to gather some momentum as they prepare for the Nations League play-offs next year.
Cyprus currently sit third in the group, but they are 11 points behind second-place Russia. Belgium top the group having won all of their qualifying matches, while Scotland are fourth, one point behind Cyprus.
Scotland began their qualifying campaign with a heavy defeat in Kazakhstan. However, back-to-back wins over San Marino and Cyprus put the team back on track. Scotland then lost four straight games, ending their hopes of reaching next summer’s tournament via Group I qualification.
A 6-0 thrashing of San Marino last time out will have restored a little pride, but these are the games that Scotland are expected to win comfortably. John McGinn netted a hat-trick at Hampden Park, as Scotland completely outplayed the minnows.
Cyprus have also claimed three victories so far, but one draw puts them above Scotland in the group. Still, they were hammered 5-0 by Russia in the previous round, so Scotland will fancy their chances of getting something from this game.
If Scotland are to come away with anything to show for their efforts, they will have to do so without a number of key players. Captain and Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has withdrawn from the squad, while midfielders Scott McTominay and Ryan Fraser have also pulled out.
With Kieran Tierney and Grant Hanley also unavailable for selection, Steve Clarke will certainly have his work cut out on Saturday.
As for Cyprus, Konstantinos Laifis is suspending after receiving a red against Russia in the previous match. The centre-back will be a big miss for Ran Ben Shimon’s side.
There have been six previous meetings between the two teams, and Scotland have won on every occasion. Andy Robertson and Oliver Burke ensured Scotland beat Cyprus 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
With that being said, the form of both teams heading into this match is poor, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the points are shared this time around. With neither side able to progress from the group, Scotland and Cyprus are likely to cancel each other out.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score, but neither side will find a winning goal.
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