With Spain having yet to show weakness, Group I's drama surroundings second place - the playoff spot. Right now, Scotland holds that position, but with the Czech Republic facing minnows Liechtenstein, the Tartans are likely to give-up the "lead." With the group's other playoff contender, Lithuania, on the sideline Tuesday, Group I seems rather predictable ahead of round four's kick-offs.
Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group I Preview: A Most Predictable Fourth Match Day
Spain will likely stay perfect. The Czechs will take their turn in second. Scotland's goal difference should drop them behind Lithuania, while Liechtenstein will sit last.
Matches
Liechtenstein versus Czech Republic, 2:00 p.m. Eastern, Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz - The Czechs are bracing themselves for an opponent set-up to draw, but having unlocked Scotland on Friday, Michal Bilek’s team should be drilled in how to break-down a bunkered squad. Should they do so, the group’s Pot 2 team will have overcome their round two loss to Lithuania, rising to second place only two matches later.
Scotland versus Spain, 3:00 p.m. Eastern, Hampden Park, Glasgow - Scotland's team is a bit lead-footed to be expected to keep-up with Spain, particularly if Alan Hutton and Darren Fletcher do not play. Spain is expected to get Xabi Alonso back, which will only put more pressure on David Weir and Stephen McManus in central defense. While Craig Levein has publicly been holding-out hope of an upset, the Scotland manager would be happy with a one goal loss against a team he called the best the Scots have ever faced.
Picks
- Liechtenstein 0, Czech Republic1
- Scotland 0, Spain 2
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