Tuesday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Predictions: Sprightly Scots seek Spanish surprise

Joe Crann

27 March 2023

The international break is almost over, but there are a few European Championship qualifiers left to play before the players head back to their respective clubs around the world.

Football writer Joe Crann has previewed three group stage games on Tuesday and provided his recommended trade for each.

Scotland v Spain

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

There’s only one favourite in this match-up. Spain boast substantially better players than their opponents, and that’s reflected in the odds of a home win (8) compared to the more likely away success (1.7).

But Steve Clarke’s side comes into this game full of confidence after an impressive 3-0 demolition of Cyprus, and a couple of their Premier League stars – John McGinn and Scott McTominay – will be eager to build on their goalscoring performance in a second clash at Hampden Park.

Spain stuck three past Norway in their opening qualifying fixture, though, and have their own high standards for this campaign. Maybe Scotland put their home advantage to use and grab a goal, but the Spaniards should come out on top.

Prediction: Spain and Over 1.5 goals @ 2.06

Turkey v Croatia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

World Cup semi-finalists Croatia should have the edge in this encounter given their sheer quality in midfield. However, Turkey has proved difficult to beat on home soil with just two nations managing to achieve the feat since 2019.

Both sides made a rather slow start to qualification: Turkey had to come from 1-0 down to beat lowly Armenia, while Croatia only drew against Wales after conceding a 93rd minute equaliser. Neither side has been prolific in front of goal and this feels like a low-scorer.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.74

Wales v Latvia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Tuesday

Fresh off the back of their dramatic point in Split, Rob Page’s side will be looking to secure a crucial three points when they face Latvia.

The away side are a bit of an unknown quantity as they are yet to play in qualification, but their recent results have been poor and they should definitely be considered as the underdogs.

Wales haven’t won any of their last nine matches, a streak that stretches back to June last year, but there’s hope that the Croatia draw could be a turning point for them. Nathan Broadhead is a man in form at club level for Ipswich Town, and he could be a worthy nominee as an anytime goalscorer in Cardiff.

Prediction: Wales to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.59