SCOTLAND need something from this game to stay in the competition. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) gives us his view.
Scotland v Poland | Thursday 19:45 | Sky Sports 2
These sides met in Poland almost a year ago and the game ended 2-2 in Warsaw. The Scots took a 2-1 lead that night and looked sharp, organised, exciting and full of vitality. One year on those traits seem to have disappeared.
Perhaps I’m being a little critical but the September matches against Georgia and Germany saw none of those characteristics on show by Gordon Strachan’s men.
The 1-0 loss in Georgia looks like being the result that fingers will point to in years to come when trying to explain how the hell this side finished in the bottom half of this group.
‘Twas a limp performance that September evening as Scotland simply failed to create any real chances against a stoic, stodgy and tremendously tall Georgian defence.
Three days later they hosted Germany and did that predictable thing that Scottish folk are bored shitless with – gave a brave (sigh) performance against giants of world football but ultimately came away empty-handed. We’ve seen this movie so many times – and it’s dull.
The positive vibes of a year ago seem to have left the hearts of Scottish football fans and as the leaves flutter to the floor so does hope of a first finals appearance in 18 years.
Poland look exciting, fiery and potentially lethal. They’ve already beaten Germany in this group and were seconds away from winning in Dublin.
Amongst their rank is a player of pure world-class talent in Robert Lewandowski. A player who is drunk on goals at the moment with 12 in his last four matches. A level of player Scotland haven’t had since the halcyon days of the 1980’s.
The Poles could wrap up qualification if they win and the Irish fail to beat Germany. It’s an achievable goal with Scotland looking short of belief.
No James Morrison, no Ikechi Anya, no good recent performance to kick on from, last October in Warsaw seems a long time ago. Poland are a shade of odds on at 10/11 with William Hill on the Draw No Bet market. That looks a solid wager.
Best Bets
Scotland v Poland – Poland Draw No Bet (10/11 William Hill)
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TOPICS Football Scottish Football Betting Tips
