Scotland will be looking to maintain their 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying when they face Group A strugglers Cyprus at Larnaca’s AEK Arena on Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Scotland have won all four of their qualifiers, scoring nine goals while conceding once
- Cyprus have lost all three of their qualifiers, scoring twice while conceding eight goals
- Scotland claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cyprus in the reverse fixture
It’s fair to say that Scotland and Cyprus have experienced contrasting fortunes in Group A. While the Tartan Army are already booking flights to Germany next summer, Temur Ketsbaia’s men are on the verge of elimination.
Cyprus Form
Sadly, Cyprus have endured a dismal start to their qualification journey. Following a 3-0 defeat in Scotland, Ketsbaia’s men suffered a 2-1 loss against Georgia before recording a 3-1 defeat to Norway, with Erling Haaland bagging a brace to sink the Cypriots.
When you look at the bigger picture, Cyprus have managed to win just one of their last seven outings across all competitions, with only two victories coming in their previous 12 encounters. Naturally, they will be low on confidence when high-flying Scotland come to town.
Scotland Form
After kicking off their qualifying campaign with an easy win against Cyprus, Scotland claimed a hugely impressive 2-0 victory over Spain, courtesy of a Scott McTominay brace. Despite seeing just 25% possession, Steve Clarke’s men executed their plan to perfection.
The Scots followed up those victories with a 2-1 win over Norway and a 2-0 triumph against Georgia. As a result, Clarke’s side find themselves eight points clear at the summit of Group A after four matches, having registered four wins, nine goals and three clean sheets.
Head-to-Head
Cyprus and Scotland have face each other eight times over the years, with the Scots triumphing on all eight occasions. For what it’s worth, the aggregate scoreline stands at 27-6 in favour of Scotland.
Team News
Scotland are without Leeds United captain Liam Cooper due to injury, while Everton’s Nathan Patterson and Nottingham Forest’s Scott McKenna return to the squad. Clarke has also handed a debut call-up to Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson.
Ketsbaia has left out a number of experienced players from the latest Cyprus squad, including 64-cap midfielder Kostakis Artymatas and 58-cap striker Pieros Sotiriou.
Key Players
Scotland’s squad is littered with Premier League regulars, including Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, Aston Villa’s John McGinn, Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, Brentford’s Aaron Hickey and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Billy Gilmour.
As for Cyprus, veteran striker Demetris Christofi has scored nine goals in 70 international appearances. Born in the Cypriot capital Nicosia, St Mirren midfielder Alex Gogic will be hoping to face the country where he plays his club football.
How to Watch on TV or Online
Fans in the UK can watch Friday’s showdown between Cyprus and Scotland on Viaplay Sports 1.
Final Thoughts
Boasting a 100% record after four matches, Scotland already find themselves 12 points clear of struggling Cyprus in Group A. With that in mind, Steve Clarke’s men look set to notch a fifth successive qualifying victory on Friday.
European Championship Qualification