It's a crunch fixture in Dublin and in Group D as Scotland travel to Ireland knowing that a win will all but guarantee a 3rd place finish or better in the group while Ireland know that this match probably falls under the "must-win" category given the current standings in the group which sees the hosts 2 points adrift of the Scots and sitting 4th in a group also containing World champions Germany and Poland. I'm already hugely excited for what is going to be an absolutely crucial fixture in this year's qualifying campaign for the Scots as we bid to end our 18 year wait for a return to a major tournament. Here's my extra big preview for an extra big game. Euro 2016 Qualifying Group D
Ireland v Scotland - Prediction 1.2- Best Bets - Scotland to win @12/5, BTTS @11/10, Scotland to score @8/15, Scotland not to lose @8/13 Scotland have been terrific in the campaign so far, producing some excellent football coupled with defensive organisation and come into this fixture more buoyant than they have been in a number of years. Under wee Gordon, Scotland are good to watch and now have the confidence, that touch of arrogance, a bit of gallousness as they say back home that had been sadly lacking for so long under previous regimes. This is a Scots side that now has technically good players, depth to the squad and finally a manager who knows how to get the best out of them. I tipped the Scots to qualify about a year ago and I sure ain't changing my tune now and I really fancy them (obviously) to win here in Dublin, but the 8/13 on Scotland not to lose is the safer selection and will definitely be one of my main bets for the day. Quite simply, we are now a better team than Ireland, and I truly believe Saturday will be the day when the people of Scotland realise that this team of ours is now something to be proud of and qualification is there for the taking. I'm not banking on a Scots win, but there's no way I can see us losing here. Ireland have been very lucky in this campaign, scoring 3 goals in injury time against Georgia, Germany and Poland that otherwise would have seen them already eliminated from contention and my gut feeling is that it's Scotland's turn, not Ireland's and it will be the tartan army boys making all the noise come 8pm on Saturday night. Of course, goal markets are usually my favoured bet types and although most people are suggesting this will be another tight affair, similar to the meeting in Glasgow 7 months ago which Scotland edged 1.0 thanks to a stunning goal from wee Shaun Maloney, I have a feeling we might see something a little different here. Scotland are on a tremendous run of form, and have scored in each of their last 11 games, losing just two of those, and failing to score only twice in their previous 17 fixtures which suggests they are more than capable of scoring against the Irish who themselves have only 3 clean sheets in their last 10 fixtures, and only 2 clean sheets from their last 15 qualifying games. I expect Scotland to score and you can get 8/15 on Scotland to score, or 11/10 on BTTS and both look to be good possibilities although obviously the former would be far more desirable. Ireland though really have to win this tie, having lost the first match in Scotland, and I expect an attacking approach from the hosts who will look to get the ball forward quickly and directly to the dangerous Shane Long who may well be partnered by Irish legend Robbie Keane but my feeling is that this will play into Scottish hands who prefer to sit deep and counter attack with pace through the likes of ikechi Anya who has performed wonderfully since his introduction to the team and his understanding with Fletcher and Naismith in the attacking positions is really something to admire. However the Scots aren't the most talented defensively, even if their organisation and structure has improved markedly since Gordon Strachan took charge 2 years ago and 8 clean sheets from their last 13 games is a pretty decent stat for a Scottish team that are still being underestimated by bookies and English pundits alike. The Scots are a pretty huge 12/5 to win on the night, or you can play it safer by backing them not to lose @8/13 and in the end I expect either a 1.1 draw or a Scottish victory, perhaps by 2 goals to 1 at 12/1 odds. It really is a huge match for both teams and one I am anticipating eagerly. I have done well in backing Scotland in the last year and our performances and results have seen us reach the top 30 in the world rankings. Now let's take one more step on the road to France and a glorious summer for 2016. We'll be coming, we'll be coming.... Bo's Best Bets Scotland to score a goal @8/15 Scotland not to lose @8/13 BTTS @6/5 Scotland to win @12/5 Bo's Bonkers Bet Ireland 1 v 2 Scotland @12/1 Comments are closed.
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