Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad can move a step closer to the European Championships when they welcome Israel to Hampden Park on Thursday evening.
The weight of expectation on Scotland’s squad is massive, but they know that a win will be enough to send them through to the next round.
The winner of their tie with Israel will face Norway or Serbia for a place at next summer’s rearranged championship.
Scotland have not been at a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France, but their recent form will give them confidence.
After losing four straight games during the summer of 2019, Scotland are now unbeaten in their last five matches. Wins over San Marino, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic have helped boost their confidence, while they drew with Israel in September at the same venue.
They have also lost just one of their previous six games against Thursday’s opponents, and they look a smart bet at odds of 1/1.
Northern Ireland Ready for the Fight
Ian Baraclough will take his Northern Ireland team to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, and they are set to be up against it during that battle.
After replacing Michael O’Neill, Baraclough has had very little time to work with his players, but he is boosted by the fact Jonny Evans is fit and ready to play.
The Leicester City ace was an injury concern after suffering a calf problem recently, but he is among the players that will travel this week.
Northern Ireland have lost their only two meetings with Bosnia-Herzegovina, and they have lost four of their last seven in all competitions.
Goals have been guaranteed of late when they have played although not always at the right end, with Northern Ireland conceding 12 in their last three games.
However, they have scored in their last six games on the road, and both teams to score at 21/20 should be considered.
Republic of Ireland Can Extend Recent Run
The Republic of Ireland head to Slovakia for their Euro 2020 qualifier and they make that trip with a solid record.
They are unbeaten in all five of their previous matches against Slovakia, although four of those have been draws.
Slovakia’s lack of playoff experience could hinder them as well, with Thursday’s game their first playoff match since 2005. They have also won just one of their last five games, while the Republic boasts a decent record on their travels.
Stephen Kenny’s men have lost just one of their previous seven away from the Aviva Stadium, keeping a clean sheet in three of those contests.
Ireland look an inviting price at 37/20, and they should have too much quality for Slovakia, even without captain Seamus Coleman.
* All odds correct at time of writing
