Scotland and Czech Republic will start their Euro 2020 campaign locking horns at Hampden Park on Monday. Both teams from Group D are seen as underdogs in their group.
PREVIEW
Scotland have qualified in a major international tournament for the first time since their last world cup campaign in 1998. Steve Clarke has a plethora of hardworking players at his disposal, who on their day could silence any opposition. Players like John McGinn, Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and Che Adams could prove to be a thorn for the teams facing them.
Czech Republic are an experienced team as compared to Scotland when it comes to major tournaments. Jaroslav Silhavy’s men are not seen as favorites in their group and thus will be more than happy if they make it out of the group stage. Anyways, people in Czech Republic will have high hopes from players like Schick, Soucek and Vaclik.
Head-to-Head:
This will be the tenth time the countries face one another. They have won four matches each and drawn one with Scotland coming victorious over their opponents last time they faced.
Record: Played: 9, Scotland: 4 wins, Czech Republic: 4 wins, Draw(s): 1.
TEAM AND INJURY NEWS
SCOTLAND:
Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour suffered a head injury against Luxembourg and will remain doubtful to make an appearance.
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Billy Gilmour.
CZECH REPUBLIC:
Czech have zero players injured and will go with a fully fit squad in their 1st match of Euro 2020 campaign.
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
PREDICTED XI:
Scotland: David Marshal; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; O’Donnell, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Dykes, Adams.
Czech Republic: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick.
PREDICTION:
Both teams look evenly matched on paper, an extremely hardworking group of players make this draw even more interesting. Czech have experience in this tournament but Scotland’s hunger of many years and the chance to treat their fans at Hampden Park could be the deciding factor of the outcome.
Scotland could end the day on high with a narrow 1-0 victory over Czech Republic to start their Euro 2020 campaign in style.
