Russia v Scotland Russia/Under 2.5 goals – 10 October 2019

Russia v Scotland
Thursday 10th October 1945hrs
Football – International – Euro 2020 Qualifying
Pick Russia win and under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: 21/10 (odds taken 1600 GMT, Tuesday 8 October)

	1	X	2
	51/100	16/5	31/5

* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on October 8, 2019 at 17.00)

These two nations meet for the second time in a month on Friday. Russia won 2-1 in Glasgow in their first meeting and will be looking to do the double over Scotland to go within touching distance of qualifying.

Euro 2020 Qualifying Betting at Boylesports

Russia Preview – Can Russia follow up last month’s win and all but secure their place at next summer’s finals?

Neither win may have been pretty but Russia will look back on last month’s six points as the pivotal part of their campaign should they confirm qualification in the days ahead. A come from behind 2-1 win away to Scotland and a 1-0 success at home to Kazakhstan ensured they sit a comfortable second in Group I. Their only loss remains the defeat away in Belgium in the first round off games but they are now well placed to make it through to next year’s finals. Having played six games in this section the Russians have 15 points and are eight clear of their nearest challengers. Should they defeat Scotland on Thursday and win in Cyprus on Sunday they will have confirmed qualification with two games to spare. Whilst they were expected to finish second best to Belgium in this group it would still be a positive showing.

The big thing for Russia this group was to build on their good showing in last summer’s World Cup. Defeat to Belgium aside they have been able to do that and approach these games in confident mood. What’s been a big help in this campaign is the form of Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin. Dzyuba has already scored six goals in this section including one in Glasgow last month. Golovin has returned to the sort of form that made him one of Europe’s hottest properties a couple of years ago.

Scotland Preview – With the pressure now off can the Scots find an improved performance and result?

What begun has a very disappointing campaign has only continued that way for Scotland. It seems a long time ago since Alex McLeish was in charge and overseeing that disastrous opening round defeat in Kazakhstan. He remained in position for just one more games before being replaced by Steve Clarke who was undoubtedly the popular appointment amongst the supporters. As it stands, it’s an appointment that has not had the desired effect – although it is very early stages and he has to be given time. Last month’s defeats at home to Russia and Belgium ended any faint hopes the Scots had of making it out this group. It’s not all over in terms of reaching the finals, though, with the Nations League playoffs to come early next year.

It’s all about building towards that playoff game now for Clarke and using the next four games to find a team and system that works for Scotland. If there has been a criticism of his short tenure it’s that he’s made a lot of changes from game to game. He will be hoping that he can find a consistent selection and some positivity from this game and the final three matches in this group.

Key-Facts – Russia v Scotland

Russia v Scotland Betting Advice

Scotland had taken the lead in the home game with Russia but their limitations were once again on show as they were unable to hold out. Russia played to their strengths that evening and there will be no surprises as to how they approach the return game. The visitors will take some consolation from the fact they were the first team to score against the Russians since they lost to Belgium.

There are no frills about Russian’s home performances having seen off Cyprus and Kazakhstan 1-0. They will certainly take that again and put them on the cusp of Euro 2020. Clarke will look to frustrate their opponents by sitting deep and defending in numbers. I expect the visitors to be competitive but Russia to win a very tight game is the selection on this occasion.