Scotland vs Croatia Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips: Scott McTominay in 3/1 fancy

Scotland go searching for their first Nations League Group A1 win of the campaign at the fifth attempt when they host Croatia at Hampden Park on Friday night.

Scotland's form makes for grim reading. Steve Clarke's men have mustered just one win from their last 16 matches, dating back to September 2023. They have one point from four Nations League games and are facing the prospect of relegation.

However, this doesn't quite capture the complete picture. Scotland clawed their way back from two goals down in their opening match against Poland, which looked to have secured a point, only for the visitors to break home hearts with a 97th minute penalty. Scotland took an early lead against Portugal in Lisbon, only for Ronaldo to pop up and claim an 88th-minute winner. They also led in Croatia, but lost 2-1. Yet, they did then manage to frustrate Portugal at Hampden Park with a credible goalless draw.

Scotland will now look to build on this performance by claiming a result at home to Croatia, in a match I'm backing the hosts in the double-chance market. I've combined this bet with over 2.5 goals which gives us a 13/5 Bet Builder with Midnite.

So far, six of the eight group matches have featured three or more goals, including the previous encounter between these teams in Zagreb. With both sides needing to go for it, another compelling - and no doubt dramatic - clash could be on the cards.

It's not a BettingOdds Scotland article unless we pick out a tip regarding their star man Scott McTominay, who appeals at 3/1 to score on Friday night.

McTominay has made an impressive adjustment to life in Italy following his transfer from Manchester United to Napoli in late August. The midfielder has netted three goals and provided two assists in nine matches for his new club, including the opening goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw against the reigning champions, Inter Milan.

His goalscoring record at international level, particularly on home soil, is extremely impressive. The 27-year-old has three goals in his last six games for Scotland, and six goals in his last six competitive appearances at home, and will fancy his chances of adding to his tally at home to Croatia who shipped three goals to Poland last time out.