Scotland vs. Ireland: UEFA Nations League Preview, Matchday 5, 2022

Following their win against Ukraine at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, Scotland currently sit top of their UEFA Nations League group. They will take to the Glasgow pitch, again, on Saturday afternoon.

The desire for revenge may have played a part in their impressive performance, earlier this week. The 3-0 win against Ukraine, at least partially, made up for their defeat to the same opponents in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification play-off, just a few months ago.

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In that same set of internationals, Scotland were also beaten 0-3 in Dublin, by tomorrow's opponents. The Tartan Army will hope that for the second time this week, their side can beat the team which had caused them serious issues this summer.

Ireland's UNL campaign got off to the worst possible start. An away defeat to outsiders Armenia and a home loss to a second-string Ukraine side left them in a perilous position in Group 1 of League B.

However, the aforementioned 3-0 win against Scotland and a credible draw away at Ukraine (in Poland) has meant they retain an outside chance of topping the group. At the very least, they now look likely to retain their position in League B and avoid relegation.

Team News

Scotland

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An injury to Nathan Patterson in the first-half of the Ukraine game has led to his withdrawal from the Scotland squad.

In addition to the full-back, David Turnbull has left the camp. The two players have been replaced by Josh Doig and Declan Gallagher, as was revealed yesterday evening. It is unlikely that the new pair will see any playing time, tomorrow.

Aaron Hickey effectively replaced the injured Patterson on Wednesday and should now be in-line for a starting spot. The only other changes from Wednesday may see Lyndon Dykes start over Che Adams and Ryan Christie's place taken by Ryan Fraser. Both of the potential incomings impressed from the bench previously, particularly Dykes - contributing with two goals, after coming on in the 77th minute.

Their much-improved performance would suggest that there is no reason for Steve Clark to deviate from the newly-implemented 4-2-3-1 formation.

Ireland

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Caoimhin Kelleher and Darragh Lenihan are the absentees from the Ireland squad, out of the 11 which took to their previous game, against Ukraine. Gavin Bazunu and John Egan would seem to be their most likely replacements.

Even after returning from injury, Matt Doherty has only featured in a combined ten minutes of football, in his two Tottenham appearances, this season. He seems likely to start, in place of Alan Browne, at right wing-back.

There are multiple forward options for Stephen Kenny to choose from. Callum Robinson, Troy Parrott - who scored in the reverse fixture against Scotland, or Scott Hogan may all have a chance of occupying one of the two forward roles.

However, Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene seem the more likely options.

Predicted Lineups

Scotland

Gordon; Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Tierney; McTominay, McGregor; McGinn; Armstrong, Fraser; Dykes.

Ireland

Bazunu; Egan, Collins, O'Shea; Doherty, Molumby, Cullen, Knight, McClean; Ogbene, Obafemi.

Key Players

Scotland - John McGinn

His 70th minute goal on Wednesday night was a huge relief for the crowd at Hampden Park - Scotland were finally able to make their second half dominance count on the scoreboard.

McGinn's physical presence is also reflected by the fact that he won 10 of 14 ground and aerial duels, in that game.

Playing as the most advanced central midfielder, with Scott McTominay and Callum McGregor behind him, the Aston Villa player was the standout performer on Wednesday. He will be hoping that he can have a similar impact tomorrow.

Ireland - Nathan Collins

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Collins' summer move to Wolves has been a productive one for the centre-back. Immediately, he has cemented a spot in their first eleven, featuring in every Premier League game of this season.

This streak will come to an end, during their upcoming trip to West Ham, due to Collins' sending off against Manchester City.

Nonetheless, the 21-year-old has proven that he belongs at the top level. In his last Ireland appearance, he scored a special, solo goal against Ukraine, helping his team earn an important point.