World Cup qualifier: Macedonia v Scotland match preview

A look ahead to tonight's World Cup qualifier in Skopje

Tom Roddy
Tuesday 10 September 2013 13:12 BST
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Gordon Strachan wants to build on Scotland's victory against Croatia
Gordon Strachan wants to build on Scotland's victory against Croatia

Although Scotland sit rock bottom of Group A with progression to Rio totally out of the question, pride will be the incentive for Gordon Strachan’s side tonight when they take on Macedonia with the battle of the home nations raging on. Wales are a point ahead of the Scots and also have a game in hand as they host Serbia tonight at the Cardiff City Stadium.

In the two sides’ previous meeting, at Hampden Park in September last year, Kenny Miller’s equaliser gave Scotland their first goal of the qualifiers. Despite the loss to Belgium’s star-studded team on Friday, Strachan’s side will travel to Skopje with a quiet confidence as they did manage to take all three points away from Croatia, ranked 8 in the FIFA rankings, in June.  And yet, Macedonia are building a run of form as Cedomir Janevski’s side come into this tie with back-to-back victories, coming from behind to defeat Chris Coleman’s Wales on Friday.

Past Meetings:

11 September 2012: Scotland 1-1 Macedonia

5 September 2009: Scotland 2-0 Macedonia

6 September 2008: Macedonia 1-0 Scotland

Stats:

Scotland didn’t manage a single shot on target against Belgium on Friday

In the five matches Gordon Strachan has been in charge of Scotland, they are yet to draw a game.

Odds:

Macedonia win – 2.2

Scotland win – 3.2

Draw – 3.3

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 7.30pm

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