Build up to the match
While their chances of automatic qualifications seem minimal at best, Scotland still have a play-off spot to vie for and as such, they would be in no mood to take this game lightly. The Scots will be intensely focused come Thursday as they face Slovakia. The visitors are also aiming for that play-off spot and will not be giving that chance away lightly. This fixture will be fun to watch.
Match Information
Kickoff: Thursday, 5th October 2017, 7:45PM England time
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Team News
Veteran Celtic midfielder Scott Brown will once again provide leadership and direction for Scotland come Thursday, with Darren Fletcher and James McArthur industrious deputies in midfield. Robert Snodgrass can provide pace on the attack, while Leigh Griffiths will surely embrace his role as the side’s target man up front.
Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel makes a return to national duty, providing a stable option for defence alongside wonderkid Milan Skriniar. Expect Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik to pull the strings in midfield, creating chances at goal. Dinamo Bucharest striker Adam Nemec has proven he can score goals and as such will be a tricky customer for Scottish defenders come Thursday.
Form
Scotland
W-W-D-W-L
Scotland will certainly be buoyed by the fact that they have won their last two competitive matches and will be eager to continue their winning run on Thursday. If they win their last two matches in Group F, they secure for themselves a possible play-off spot, as such they should be in full focus for the game ahead.
Slovakia
L-W-W-W-W
Slovakia were dealt a heavy blow in their chances for automatic qualification last month, when they were defeated 2-1 by England at Wembley. Had they won, Slovakia could’ve claimed top spot in Group F. Now, they have to press on if they stand any chance of winning a ticket to Russia.
Match Prediction
With high stakes still available for both sides, expect Scotland and Slovakia to give it their all at Hampden Park come Thursday evening. No one will be willing to yield to the other and this match may go down to the wire.
Scotland 1-1 Slovakia