The Czech Republic and Scotland square off in the Group B2 fixtures of UEFA Nations League 2020-21 on Monday night.
Team Preview
The Czech Republic faces Scotland in Monday night's encounter, despite the hosts insisting to pull out of the match due to coronavirus concerns. UEFA made a clear statement as they will be part of the group matches as per the schedule. The Czech started their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory in away game with Slovakia on Friday in Bratislava, courtesy of goals from Vladimir Coufal, Borek Dockal, and Michael Krmencik SloJaroslav. After the first game, the Czech FA announced on their social media handle as they are pulling out from Monday's fixture against Scotland but the involvement of UEFA, they got ready to play Scotland. Silhavy's side has three winnings and the same number of defeats in their last six games. They even defeated England 2-1 in Euro 2020 qualifier last year and entered into Euro 2020 finals. Ahead of Monday’s game, their preparation is on hold as Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick were made to self-isolate after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Meanwhile, Scotland have a tough test and they finished third in their qualifying group to register a playoff match with Israel. Steve Clarke's men played out a 1-1 draw with Israel in Friday's Nations League encounter. Ryan Christie's penalty strike helped the home side to take a lead at the half time inside but Eran Zahavi netted an equalizer 17 minutes from the full time to end the match in a draw and Scotland walked away with dropping two points at Hampden Park. Clarke's side had a decent form, winning three matches out of four including one draw. Both sides had faced each other seven times and with four wins, the Czechs had an upper hand.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Czech Republic
Lineup: no updates due to coronavirus restrictions
Current Form: W W L W L W
Scotland
Lineup: Marshall; Palmer, Tierney, Cooper, Robertson; McTominay; Forrest, McGinn, Armstrong, Christie; Dykes
Current Form: L L W W W D
Key Players
Czech Republic
Borek Dockal
1 goal in the previous game (Nations League)
Michael Krmencik SloJaroslav
1 goal in the previous game (Nations League)
Scotland
Ryan Christie
3 goals and 1 assist in Europa League 2019-20
Scot McTominay
4 goals and 1 assist in Premier League 2019-20
