The battle for UEFA Nations League survival takes center stage on Monday as Poland host Scotland at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.

With both teams locked on four points in Group 1 of League A, the outcome of this final group stage fixture will be crucial in determining which nation avoids demotion to League B.

Match Preview

Poland have struggled to find consistency in this season’s Nations League campaign, picking up just one win, one draw and three losses so far.

Despite holding group leaders Portugal to a 0-0 draw last month, the Bialo-czerwoni were ultimately overpowered 5-1 in the reverse fixture on Friday, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a brace.

Veteran striker Krzysztof Piatek has been the team’s main goal threat, but the absence of talisman Robert Lewandowski has been keenly felt.

Scotland, on the other hand, come into this clash buoyed by a crucial 1-0 victory over Croatia in their previous outing.

Returning hero John McGinn scored the winner to keep Steve Clarke’s side’s slim quarter-final hopes alive.

The Scots have been inconsistent, with two losses, a draw and a win in their last four Nations League matches.

Poland have managed just one win in their last six competitive fixtures, a 3-2 triumph over Croatia in September.

Their recent form has been particularly poor, with three losses in their last four matches across all competitions.

Scotland ended a 10-game winless run in all competitions with their victory over Croatia.

Prior to that, they had suffered three consecutive defeats in the Nations League, including a 2-1 loss to the Poles in the reverse fixture.

Head-to-Head

In the previous meeting between these sides in September, Poland emerged 3-2 victors thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Szymanski.

Overall, the head-to-head record is even, with the teams mostly ending their matches with stalemates.

Although historically Scotland has beaten Poland only once while the later have two wins. At least two goals have been scored in their matches played.

Team News

Poland will be without Arkadiusz Milik and their captain and all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined with a back injury.

Scotland are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that defeated Croatia, with teenage winger Ben Doak likely to feature prominently.

Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon and midfielder John McGinn, who scored the winner last time out, should retain their places.

Prediction

This match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams desperate to avoid relegation from League A.

Poland’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed by Scotland’s attacking threat, but the hosts’ home advantage and the potential absence of Lewandowski may prove decisive.

• Score Prediction: Poland 3-2 Scotland

Betting Tips

– Poland to win: The home side are the favorites to secure the three points and avoid relegation.
– Over 2.5 goals: With both teams needing to go all-out for the win, this fixture could see a high-scoring encounter.
– Krzysztof Piatek to score anytime: The Polish striker has been his team’s main goal threat and will be looking to add to his tally.