Live on Sky Sports 2: Thu 19:45. Scotland (13/8) take on Poland in this vital Euro2016 qualifier with the home side desperate for three points.
France has always been a popular holiday destination and the scramble to add a large dollop of Gallic flavour to next summer concludes this weekend with the final round of Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Despite occupying fourth place in Group D, Scotland have a great chance of finishing third and making the play-offs, thanks to the difficulty of Ireland’s remaining fixtures. Of course, the Scots must first keep their side of the bargain by overhauling Poland on Thursday and, on Sunday, Gibraltar; Scotland are 8/1 with bet365 to qualify, while the Irish are quoted at 7/4.
Given their goalscoring prowess (they’ve notched 29 in eight matches), it’s no surprise to see Poland installed as marginal 13/8 favourites to win on Thursday. Gordon Strachan’s charges have managed fewer than half that total yet bookies, taking account of the considerable advantage conferred by playing at home, price them at 7/4 to collect three points.
It’s unlikely that Scotland can claim automatic qualification as the best third-placed team, but they can secure a play-off berth should they overhaul Poland who have suffered only one reverse, to Germany, last month. The Hampden Roar will crank up a few decibels should the Scots open the scoring – they’re 6/5 to do so – and Poland’s goalscoring record accounts for the popularity of the even money odds for both teams to score.
Punters expecting a close encounter can get 7/5 against the first half ending goalless, while Scotland are 5/1 to emerge victorious following a drawn opening period. Elsewhere, backers are offered 3/1 against Scotland enjoying a one-goal margin of victory with Steven Naismith priced at 7/1 to score the game’s first goal.
The most popular outcome in the correct score markets is 1-1 (priced at 5/1), while a 2-1 home success is offered by bet365 at an eye-catching 10/1.
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