Scottish spirit to win the night
Scotland were outclassed by a merciless Belgium on Friday night, while Albania opened up their Nations League account with three crucial points against Israel to lay down a huge marker in Group C1. The UEFA Nations League match on Monday evening pits the two against each other for the first time in international football.
Outclassed but expected
What were the SFA thinking in arranging a fixture against one of the world’s best prior to their Nations League opener? It has everybody scratching their head, not least Alex McLeish, who, as a result of such an international mis-match, has now overseen a fourth defeat in five since returning for a second spell in charge of the Tartan Army.
This hasn’t dampened his spirits though, he remains upbeat about the development of his young side and accepts mistakes will be made trying to execute a new style and oversee a new project.
"I don't want them just to lump it up the pitch. If we do that, when are we ever going to change?"
McLeish is also right to point out that it’s matches such as the one with Albania where he and his team should be judged, not glorified friendlies against a team to have come one game from the World Cup Final.
Scottish spirit
He’s called on his side to show the type of Scottish spirit that has seen them overcome periods of adversity before, knowing it’s often when backs are against the wall that Scotland are at their best.
Evidence of this was in their late charge in Group F of World Cup Qualifying when under the leadership of Gordon Strachan, Scotland narrowly missed out on a first major finals since 1998 on goal difference after a six game unbeaten run which included winning three of their last four.
Last 6 Competitive games
vs. Slovenia (h) – W 1-0
vs. England (h) – D 2-2
vs. Lithuania (a) – W 3-0
vs. Malta (h) – W 2-0
vs. Slovakia (h) – W 1-0
vs. Slovenia (a) – D 2-2
When you strip away the criticism and fuss made of Friday’s defeat, Scotland are not in as bad a position as people are making them out to be. There certainly wasn’t a lack of resilience or character shown in their latest qualifying campaign and they managed to come out on top against the sides of similar ability, an outcome I fully expect to play out tonight.
Albania – No slouches but beatable
In the opposing dugout, Christian Panucci and his Albania side will seek a second successive victory having already put three points on the board with a win over Israel.
Appointed just over a year ago, the former Roma and Milan full back is beginning to implement his Italian style and, slowly but surely, The Red and Black Eagles are showing the same qualities Panucci displayed on the international stage with Italy.
Finishing second in this group would represent par for Panucci and Albania going by the world rankings, which for what they’re worth has Scotland’s opponents 58th on the list, eighteen places behind their hosts.
Their opening win certainly sees them in a strong position and they’ll arrive at Hampden Park relatively free of pressure, knowing at least a draw would represent a start they hadn’t banked on, and they’re likely to play accordingly. A desire to not lose rather than win however could ultimately prove their undoing.
Match Tip
As much as Albania have it within them to frustrate and threaten Scotland, I expect them to fall short on what is a big night for the hosts. You can count on McLeish to have his players up for this one and I expect a Scotland side, galvanized and eager to prove their critics wrong, to secure a much needed victory.
I’ve found the best odds to be with Coral who have Scotland to win at odds of 4/5 (1.83).
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
A comfortable scoreline and a professional job by Scotland who fared much better against a side of similar ability, exactly what the Nations League was introduced for.