World Cup qualifying, Group A, Hampden, 8pm
FOR me this game is all about Gareth Bale. If he plays well Wales have a chance but if he doesn't turn up Scotland could win.
Bale missed three days training this week with a virus and also has an ankle knock but he'll start even if he has to play one leg. The Spurs star has netted Wales' last four goals – including two against Scotland – so that's how important he is to his country.
It's also a huge game for new Scots boss Gordon Strachan and the game is difficult to call. I accept Wales are a tempting price at 4-1 with Stan James bit I'm siding with the draw.
There is the Strachan factor and Scotland don't lose many competitive games at Hampden – they have already drawn with Serbia and Macedonia in this campaign.
One amazing stat I read is Wales have drawn any of their last 44 internationals. I hate the expression “they're due one” but they must be due one.
So it could well be a draw which pays 13-5 at BetVictor and won't help either side in their uphill battle to qualify.
Anyone thinking about Wales could consider 11-4 at bet365 on the draw no bet market.
Scotland won their debut match under Strachan but it was a hardly a convincing 1-0 victory against Estonia so I'm reluctant to back the home at a best 5-6 at Coral.
Bale is that good he is 5-1 with William Hill to beat Scotland on his own with Strachan's side 8-13. With McBookie.com the Bale v Scots draw pays 9-2 and that's a worth a look.
To score first Bale is 6-1 at Ladbrokes and 15-8 at BetVictor to net at anytime.
He is 6-1 with McBookie.com to win a penalty and 16-1 to be booked for diving – and he's got history in the Premier League this season.
Steven Fletcher is seen as Scotland's best bet of a goal at 5-1 with BetVictor but both he and Jordan Rhodes, 6-1 Ladbrokes, have been struggling for counters.
The player to look at could be on-form Wigan star Shaun Maloney at 9-1 with Ladbrokes and what about Welsh comeback star Craig Bellamy at 9-1 with the same firm.
In the popular both teams to score market a yes is 5-6 with William Hill and that looks likely.
Recommendations
Draw
(13-5, BetVictor)
Both teams to score
(5-6, William Hill)
World Cup 2022 Coverage
- What's coming up? View a list of upcoming World Cup Fixtures.
- Missed a match? Check out our World Cup Results for all the latest full-time goals.
- Think you know who will win outright? Then View our World Cup Odds comparison tables from top UK bookmakers.
- Betting Offer: We have collected world cup betting offers all in one place so you don't have to.
- Group by Group Betting Tips; Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F, Group G, Group H.
- World Cup Betting Tips; Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Group Stage Acca, Dark Horses and Outright Winners
- Highbet: Sportsbook and online casino with 30+ sports, 100's of betting markets and competitive betting odds.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Paul. Joe Ledley @ 20/1 1st goal and 7/1 any time with 365 could be worth a punt
Danny, could be but I’m not backing against Scotland.
You should not let your heart rule your head Paul.
Danny, never bet against Scotland or Clydebank. Have tipped against Scotland though and obviously wouldn’t mislead punters on that front. Just a feeling we won’t lose and might nick it of Bale isn’t 100 per cent.
do you think the game might get called aff am just a few mile fae hampden and the snows pelting doon.
Stephen, don’t Scotland is in any doubt but wouldn’t fancy sitting in the freezing cold watching it. Will see from the comfort of the office.
paul I got 10/3 for bale anytime in hills this morning
Bonkers Bet James MaCarthur anytime goal 9/1 Ladbrokes
Even more Bonkers Chris Burke 1st goal 16/1 Coral