Overview
Scotland are currently in deep crisis. With a 1-2 defeat to Croatia in their most recent match, Steve Clarke's team continues to be at the bottom of Group 1 with 3 consecutive losses. More broadly, Scotland are going through a 7-match winless streak (5 losses, 2 draws).
On the contrary, Portugal showed their excellent form with a 3-1 victory over Poland. With 9 absolute points after 3 matches and impressive attacking play (scoring 7 goals), coach Roberto Martinez's team is very close to a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Poland for the first time in 17 years, making it 2-0. It was also the 906th goal of the former Real Madrid star's career.
After 3 matches in the Nations League this season, CR7 has scored and it will not be surprising if he shines again to help Portugal overcome Scotland.
Notably, despite his illustrious international career, this is the first time Ronaldo has played at Scotland's national stadium.
In the last 6 encounters with Scotland, Portugal has shown superiority with 5 wins and 1 draw. It is likely that the "European Selecao" will continue to defeat their opponents.
Scotland's last win over Portugal came 44 years ago, and in their most recent meeting last month, Scotland lost 2-1.
Human resources situation
Scotland's squad is ravaged by injury with 13 players missing. That list includes Greg Taylor, Lawrence Shankland, John McGinn, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Kieran Tierney, Jack Hendry, Liam Cooper, Stuart Armstrong, Angus Gunn, Scott McKenna and Ross McCrorie.
On the other side of the front line, Portugal will not have the services of Sporting Lisbon duo Geovany Quenda and Pedro Goncalves.
Expected lineup:
Scotland: Gordon, Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, Gilmour, McLean, Doak, McTominay, Christie, Adams.
Portugal: Costa, Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes, B. Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes, Neto, Ronaldo, Leao.
The match between Scotland and Portugal takes place at 1:45 a.m. on October 16 (Vietnam time).
