THESE matches have been absent from the calendar for 14 years – and boy have they been missed.
From a betting viewpoint derbies are tough to call as form plays little part in proceedings.
That's the case at Wembley tonight. England clearly have better players starring at bigger clubs – but is their desire greater?
If it was a game between the bosses it would be a no-contest. Scotland's Gordon Strachan is talking it up while his counterpart Roy Hodgson is trying to treat it like a normal friendly.
If that's the case he could change half a team at the interval – and that would play into Scots hands.
England are massive favourites at a best 2-5 with Paddy Power and William Hill while Ladbrokes are offering 4-7 from 4-11 in shops if you put them in a five-team accumulator.
I can't support England at that price but don't have much faith in Scotland at 8-1 with William Hill and BetVictor.
So with plenty of players on both sides having one eye on the start of the Premier League season on Saturday this could be a draw at 7-2 with bet365.
You can back Strachan's side at 15-8 plus one with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power or even 8-13 at boylesports plus two.
If it wasn't for our shock win in Croatia last time out I'd be all over England but that result will have lifted confidence among the squad.
The build-up has centred around Wayne Rooney and he looks set to start despite doubts about his fitness. Rooney is 4-1 at Paddy Power and William Hill to bag the opener and 6-5 with BetVictor to net anytime.
For Scotland you can have 12-1 on Jordan Rhodes, Leigh Griffiths and Kenny Miller with various bookies.
If Scotland win it's likely to be by one as they've won their last two away games
by that margin. Hills go 17-2 for us to win by one.
That last meeting in 1999 ended in a 1-0 away victory thanks to Don Hutchison and a repeat of that scoreline pays 12-1 at Hills while just to score Scotland are 10-11.
Under 2.5 goals is likely and that's on offer at 10-11 with William Hill and Ladbrokes.
Recommended Bets
Draw
(7-2, bet365)
Scotland to score
(10-11, William Hill)
Paddy power refunding first/last scorers, correct scores and scorecasts if England fail to win. Decent offer being if its a draw or scotland win then money back so I’m on Rooney @ 9/2 for first goal. Will also back the draw
Paul, any chance you could speak to one of your contacts at Paddy Power again? Tried to place £100 on Rooney First Goal and they told me that it was a traders decision to offer me maximum £10. I actually started laughing at the guy down the phone and asked if it was a piss take. I will just give the money to Skybet then as they are also offering 9/2. Only reason I chose Paddy Power was because of the money back special. Paddy Power = small fish
Trader decision happens with most bookies. In the last week i’ve experienced similar with Willhill, Boylesports and Bet365. I wouldn’t single out Paddy.
England will tan Scotland.
What do you think of Russia ht/ft and endland ht/ft pays around 3/1
Mitchell, I can’t back against Scotland but the Russia one looks decent.
Japan v Uruguay 11:20
Just jumped on Suarez anytime for Uruguay at 15/8. The games just kicked off.
Also BTTS at 4/6.
Looking forward to the tips later on! Unfortunate with Kidderminster last night!
ENGLAND to win
OVER 2.5 GOALS
Walcott Anytime
2.1 scotland
ENGLAND to win
OVER 2.5 GOALS
Walcott Anytime
———
Show me the WONGA
good call on wallcott at anytime. scotland fantastic the night