Euro 2020 play-off team news and prediction: Serbia vs Scotland

The final four spots for Euro 2020 will be decided this evening, with Serbia hosting Scotland in one of the play-off finals.

Scotland are bidding to qualify for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, whereas failing to qualify for Serbia would be seen as a major embarrassment given the talent at their disposal.

The winner of the Path C play-off final will complete Group D at Euro 2020 at the end of the season, where they will face England, Croatia and Czech Republic.

In the lead up to such a momenutal match for both teams, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place. Including probable XIs, team news and where you can watch the match.

When is kick off?
Thursday 12th November, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Red Star Stadium, Belgrade (Serbia)
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Football

How they qualified

Serbia required extra-time to eliminate Norway in the semi-finals after the match end 1-1 in regular time. Key man Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is fortunately allowed to play here despite local lockdown restrictions in Rome, scored both goals for Serbia as they knocked out a Norway side containing Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. It is the only match they have won from their last six.

Scotland and Israel could not be separated in regular time or extra-time in their semi-final but the Scots eventually triumphed 5-3 on penalties. Unlike Serbia, Scotland have generally been in good form of late. Steve Clarke's side are unbeaten across their last eight matches, their best run since 1987-1989.

Team News

Serbia's preparations for Thursday's game have been far from ideal. Local lockdown restrictions in Italy have the availability of important players in doubt. Fiorentina duo Nikola Milenkovic and Dusan Vlahovic have reportedly defied local measures to fly to Serbia, with the Serbian FA willing to pay any fines. Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have banned Milos Veljkovic from travelling, while Sassuolo's Filip Djuricic is out after testing positive for COVID-19. While Roma's players are not allowed to represent their countries, Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is. Crystal Palace's Luka Milivojevic has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Scotland have lost both Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley to injury, though only Fraser was expected to line up against Serbia. Steve Clarke also welcomes back Kieran Tierney to the squad after he missed last month's game due to COVID-19 protocols. Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is expected to continue his stint in defence for his country, while Ryan Christie may fill Fraser's role in attack alongside Lyndon Dykes.

Probable XIs:

Scotland (352): Marshall; McTominay, McKenna, Tierney; O'Donell, McGinn, Jack, McGregor, Robertson; Christie, Dykes

Serbia (3421): Dmitrovic; Milenkovic, Pavlovic, Kolarov; Lazovic, Maksimovic, Gudelj, Ristic; Tadic, Sergej, Mitrovic

Key Battle: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic vs John McGinn

Serbia have a lot of talented players at their disposal and shouldn't really be in this position to qualify for Euro 2020, but will no doubt lean on Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in Thursday's final. The 25-year-old came to Serbia's rescue in the semi-final win over Norway with a brace and the home side will hope for a repeat showing against Scotland. Sergej has started the season with three goals and assists in Serie A for Lazio and has scored three goals in Serbia's last two games.

While John McGinn doesn't carry the same presence as Sergej, he is as important, if not more, for Scotland and their chances of qualifying for Euro 2020. Similarly to last season, McGinn has started the current campaign in tremendous form for Aston Villa. The 26-year-old has raced to four assists in seven league appearances and also netted once.

Neither McGinn nor Sergej are particularly tidy on the ball, with respective 76.8% and 77.7% pass success rates in the league, but they are risk takers and at at least one point in the match both nations will need to force the initiative if they want to go to Euro 2020.

Prediction: Serbia 1-2 Scotland