Scotland managed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time this century – although they have played at the last two Euros in a row, albeit without progressing to the knockout stages. In last year’s qualifiers, they took first place from Denmark, sealing it with a win in their direct encounter in the final round. They also won a couple of friendlies before the World Cup, beating both Curaçao and Bolivia by large margins. In the first round against Haiti, the performance may not have pleased everyone, but the main thing was securing the desired 1-0 result.
Morocco, after their continental record by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar, remain strong and successful. They topped their qualifying group and consecutively won both the African Nations Championship and the Arab Cup. This winter, they did lose to Senegal on penalties in the final of their “home” AFCON, but officials later awarded them a “technical” victory. Since then, they’ve only drawn against Ecuador, beating all other opponents. Their last match against Norway ended 1-1. At the World Cup opener, they repeated that draw, 1-1, against Brazil in an evenly matched game.
The British side averages 2.2 goals scored per game, conceding half as many – just one per match. The North African team does even better: 1.70 goals scored and only 0.5 conceded per game.
Previous Matches: Scotland vs Morocco
In 1998, during their previous World Cup appearance, Scotland suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat.
Hakimi and his teammates look more solid. Let’s trust in their victory (odds – 1.74).
Scotland vs Morocco: Key Statistics and Trends
Scotland has won three matches in a row
50% of Scotland’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.2
Morocco has drawn their last two games
40% of Morocco’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.2
Scotland vs Morocco: Probable Starting Lineups
Scotland plays in a 1-4-4-1-1 formation (probable lineup): Gunn – Robertson, Hendry, Hanley, Hickey – McGinn, Ferguson, McTominay, Doak – Adams, Shankland. Gilmour will not be available.
Morocco lines up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Bounou – Mazraoui, Riad, Diop, Hakimi – Bouaddi, El-Anaoui – El Khannouss, Ounahi, Dias – Saibari. Ez Abde and Aguerd are ruled out.
