Scotland could secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs by overtaking Little Moldova at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau on Friday, 12 November. Steve Clark’s men have won four straight games in Group F, but any slide against Moldova would give Israel a chance to jump to their feet. The kick-off of Moldova vs Scotland is scheduled for 6 PM.
Moldova vs Scotland match preview: Where are the two teams?
Scotland
After a first-half qualifier, which saw them win just one of their four opening games, Scotland returned to form with 12 points from 12. Winning over Austria two months earlier gave Clarke confidence that they could still qualify for Qatar 2022. , and followed with a 3-2 win over Israel. Scott McTominay’s victory in the 94th minute at Hampden Park ensured that Scotland’s qualifying fate was in their hands, which remains the case after beating the Faroe Islands 1–0. Then there’s a trip to Moldova, with one point from their eight games, followed by a trip to group winners Denmark, who can afford to spin their squad if they want. Scotland will try to get the job done before next Monday’s game in Glasgow. The Scots achieved the feat by defeating Moldova on Friday. A draw would also suffice if Israel tied with Austria, or a draw if Israel also lost.
moldavia
Moldova is not actually Scotland’s biggest handicap, as they are ranked 181st in the FIFA rankings and have won one of their last 38 qualifying matches. Roberto Bourdin’s men have lost seven consecutive qualifiers since the draw with the Faroe Islands in their opening match of Group F. However, Scotland could only win 1–0 when the two sides met in reverse fixtures. Lyndon Dykes scored through the first half months ago. The Tartan army never managed to defeat Moldova in the last three attempts. Extend that run on Friday and they’ll have the playoffs to look forward to next March.
team news
Kieran Tierney spent time apart for Arsenal but returned as a substitute for the Gunners’ win over Watford on Sunday. The versatile defender will be put at risk by Clark for the first of this double November, with Andy Robertson and Nathan Patterson in full-back positions. Ryan Fraser has been ruled out due to injury, although Dykes and Ryan Christie have been suspended for the trip to Chisinau. This could mean a first cap for Jacob Brown, who impressed in the league for Stoke City this campaign. As for Moldova, Olympiakos full-back Oleg Rebsiuk has been suspended after being sent off against Israel last month. Ion Nicolescu has two goals in six qualifying matches of this campaign and should lead the hosts.
Possible formations Moldova vs Scotland
moldova
pause; Arms, Posmac, Potyrnich; Jordan, Dros, Ionita, Rata, Marandisi; Ghasev, Nikolaescu
Scotland
Gordon; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Patterson, McLean, Gilmour, McTominay, Robertson; McGinn; adams
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