UEFA Nations League
Scotland v Israel
Tuesday, 20 November, kick-off 7.45pm
Hampden Park, Glasgow

Israel stand between Scotland and a playoff place on the road to UEFA Euro 2020, with the two sides set to face off at Hampden Park in their final UEFA Nations League match.

Buoyed by a dominant 4-0 victory over Albania on Saturday night, Alex McLeish’s side return to the home of Scottish football for the final time in 2018 in the knowledge that victory over their visitors would see them top their UEFA Nations League.

Scotland were highly impressive in Shkodër in overpowering Albania, with Ryan Christie and James Forrest both recording their first goals for their country.

There was also a first cap for Hamburg defender David Bates, who made an impressive transition from the Under-21s setup to the senior international stage.

McLeish and his players will be under no illusions as to the test posed by Israel, however, with the visitors having claimed a deserved victory over Scotland in Haifa last month.

With one more 90-minute performance all that remains between Scotland and a playoff spot, though, the stage is set for the winner-takes-all showdown on Tuesday night.

Previous Meetings

It is Israel who currently hold the bragging rights between the two sides, following October’s 2-1 victory over Scotland in Haifa in the UEFA Nations League.

A first-half penalty from Charlie Mulgrew had put Alex McLeish’s side in front at the interval, before a Dor Peretz strike and an own goal from Kieran Tierney saw Israel claim a valuable three points in front of their home supporters.

The sole previous meeting between the two teams at Hampden Park went the way of the hosts, with Scotland earning a 3-1 victory over their visitors in 1981.

Two goals from John Robertson and a Davie Provan strike secured the win for Jock Stein’s men, with Moshe Sinai replying for Israel.

Team News

Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck will join up with the Scotland squad prior to Tuesday night’s encounter, following his late call-up as a replacement for the injured John McGinn.

Alex McLeish has no new injury worries following Saturday’s victory in Shokdër, in a match which saw David Bates win his first cap for his country.

Having marked his first international appearance this year with a goal against Albania, Steven Fletcher will once again be in contention to lead the line for the home side.

Israel also have no new injury concerns following their 7-0 victory over Guatemala last week, in a match which saw Moanes Dabour and Dia Saba grab a brace apiece.

Former Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal is expected to once again provide the driving force in the Israel midfield, whilst Taleb Tawatha – impressive in the match in Haifa last month – will provide the threat from the wide channels.

Pre-match thoughts

Scotland manager Alex McLeish: “We have set ourselves up, and Israel have set themselves up, so it should be a good game.

"We've got them on home soil. Let's hope there is a great response from the Tartan Army - we'd love to see them come and cheer the guys to victory.

"If we play at that level [of the win over Albania], we have a good chance."

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher: “It is a young energetic squad; the quality is there to be seen.

"You don't understand how good players are until you train with them. You see how high the tempo is, and it's good."

Tickets

Tickets for the match are still available through public sale and can be purchased online or over the phone at 0844 875 1873.

Supporters will also be able to buy tickets on the day of the match from the ticket sales cabins at the corner of the West and William Hill South Stands.

For more ticket and travel information, click here.

Around Hampden

There will be a number of pre-match activities at Hampden prior to kick-off, including pipers, facepainters and a performance from folk rock band Scocha.

For more information, click here.

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with BBC Radio Scotland providing live radio commentary. Kick-off for the match is at 7.45pm on Tuesday night.

Updates will also be available via the official @ScotlandNT Twitter account.