International Football Tips: Friendlies don’t look friendly

IF tonight's card wasn't a friendly one you'd look at the games and go “wow”.

FIFA have shoehorned potential crackers on to the same night – Holland v England, Argentina v Italy, Russia v Brazil, France v Colombia and Germany v Spain.

All would light up the finals in Russia – although Italy and the Dutch won't be there – but it's never the same with nothing at stake.

We also have Alex McLeish making his second debut as Scotland boss when Costa Rica visit Hampden.

Big Eck has picked a young squad and while the vibes from the players are good let's see how he influences them where it matters on the pitch.

It will be a low-key affair at a half-empty stadium and Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramirez is trying out some fringe players ahead of the finals.

The Central Americans at full strength would probably beat us but with the likes of home-based Kevin Briceno, Yendrick Luiz, Josue Mitchell and Wilmer Azofeifa included as well as DC United’s Ulises Segua and Ian Smith of Norrkoping in Sweden it's a betting minefield.

Scotland are warm favourites at a best 5-4 at William Hill with Costa Rica as big as 11-4 at Marathonbet. A draw is possible, a low-scoring one, and under 2.5 goals is 4-7 at bet365.

Both sides look a bit short up front and only four or five will play the full 90 minutes so wait for line-ups before a considering a scorer with Fulham's Tom Cairney a possibility at 27-5 with Unibet if he starts.

Either Oli McBurnie or Jason Cummings will start up top in the absence of Leigh Griffiths while nw skipper Charlie Mulgrew is 10-1 with bet365to score.

Gareth Southgate is without his main man Harry Kane against a Dutch side with eight wins in nine but now under new boss Ronald Koeman.

Jamie Vardy will lead the line after netting seven in nine for Leicester and is 28-11 at Unibet to score.

England are 11-5 at bet365 but Koeman will keep it tight and a draw is possible at 40-17 with Unibet.

Brazil head to World Cup hosts Russia and it will be interesting to see how they manage without Neymar.

Sub-zero temperatures won't help the Brazilians and this could be a low-scorer. Brazil, 8-13 at William Hill, have kept six clean sheets in eight on the road so something like a 1-0 has a chance.

Lionel Messi will run out for the home side at the Etihad but it's not for Arsenal but Argentina against Italy.

Four Argentines including Sergio Aguero ply their trade in Manchester so they'll feel right at home. Back them to edge this at 23-20 with betfair.

France face a Colombia side who have drawn five of their last seven against sides ranked in the world’s top 15. Best bet here could be both to score at 1-2 with McBookie.

Recommended Bets

• Scotland not to lose
• England draw no bet
• Argentina
• France v Colombia btts

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