Scotland v Italy Betting Preview

It’s only Monday and already the butterflies are doing somersaults in my stomach, this week is going to drag in. But come Saturday at 5pm the whole nation will be ready to cheer on Scotland as we face our biggest game in years. But will you be putting your money where your mouth is? I thought I’d take a look at the betting early on this one. It will be interesting to see how the prices change through the week as excitement reaches fever pitch and expectations go off the radar.

Firstly, Scotland need a win to absolutely, definitely, UEFA can’t take it off us, qualify. 3 points and we’re there. Our best performance since Bannockburn! It’s only the World Champions that stand in our way. The best price available is 3/1 at BetDirect for a home win but that is more a reflection on the patriotism shown by the Tartan Army at the bookies. Ordinarily I think we’d be nearer 5s against the World Cup Holders but this team have the bookies running scared and I won’t be surprised if we’re a best price of nearer 5/2 by Saturday at tea-time.

If you think we’ll be typically Scottish and fall at the final hurdle then you can back the Italians to win at 11/10 with Boylesports, Paddy Power and VCBet. But be prepared to leave the country after you pick up your winnings you traitor! Just kidding, what better way to commiserate than to take some money off the bookies. Sounds like a win/win to me.

A draw still leaves us with a chance, although we’d probably need Ukraine to beat France for us to qualify, but it would be the usual glorious failure if we finished level. This can be backed at 9/4 with Betfred or Stan James.

On the First Goalscorer market most Scots will be on Golden Baws himself, James McFadden who is a tasty 10/1 (BetDirect) to open the scoring. Strike partner Kenny Miller is also 10/1 at BetDirect. There may be value elsewhere in the team though, Gary Caldwell who netted the only goal at Hampden against France is 66/1 with BetDirect and Stan James, whilst centre half Steven McManus is 40/1 with Bet365, BetDirect, BetFred and Stan James and it might just be from a corner or a set piece that the Scots have some success.

I’ve not got round to making a prediction just yet but good luck and I hope all of you who have money on a Scotland win enjoy a double celebration on Saturday night!

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