Poland vs. Scotland 

PGE Narodowy sets the stage for a high-stakes UEFA Nations League showdown between Poland and Scotland.

Poland’s Group A1 campaign was off to a flying start as they squeezed past Scotland 3-2 on matchday one, responding well to their disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2024. However, their form has since fallen off a cliff, with Michal Probierz’s side losing three of their subsequent four Nations League outings (D1), including a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Portugal last week. While their hopes of securing a quarter-final berth are already dead in the water, avoiding defeat against Scotland would see them secure a spot in the League A/B playoffs. Poland can take confidence from their superb run across their last 11 matches against Scotland (W4, D6, L1). But without Robert Lewandowski, the Poles may struggle to uphold that record, especially considering they’ve lost six of their ten Nations League home games (W2, D2).

In the meantime, Scotland’s hopes of preserving their League A status in their maiden top-flight appearance in Europe’s youngest international competition received a decisive boost last week. A hard-earned 1-0 home win against Croatia drew them level on points with Poland following a disheartening four-game Group A1 start (D1, L3). But anything other than a win in Warsaw would render that victory meaningless, with Steve Clarke’s side seeking a second consecutive triumph after ending a dismal eight-game winless streak. That run formed part of a more ominous pattern, which saw the Tartan Army win just once in 16 internationals, courtesy of a 2-0 friendly victory against whipping boys Gibraltar in June. Moreover, they’ve lost five of their last seven away matches in the Nations League (W1, D1).