USA v Scotland, Jacksonville, Sunday, 1am, live on ESPN
EITHER there are loads of Scots in Florida or Craig Levein's side have suddenly become a star attraction.
Whatever the reason more than 40,000 tickets – a record for the US in the Sunshine State – will gather in Jacksonville for this friendly.
Scotland once again failed to qualify for a major tournament and will watch the Euros like the rest of us. But there were signs of improvement and indeed Levein's side have netted in their last seven games.
So maybe tonight's crowd will get the action-packed game they've paid to see. It certainlt should be a match between two strong squads.
Levein hasn’t suffered the usual raft of call-offs – and maybe the destination’s got something to do with that. As the home side the USA are 8-11 favourites with Ladbrokes with Scotland a biggest 19-4 at BetVictor.
But I reckon Scotland will avoid defeat so draw at 14-5 with BetVictor or draw no bet at 11-4 at William Hill is worth a look.
Scotland are such big underdogs you can have them at 11-10 with Hills getting a goal of a start. Eight of the USA’s last nine games have ended 1-0 (four wins, five defeats) and they might have to settle for a single goal with star striker Clint Dempsey almost certainly out injured.
Without the Fulham man their best chance of a goals will come from Landon Donovan who is 6-1 at Ladbrokes and Paddy Power to bag the opener.
The US have kept three clean sheets in a row but a score draw – possibly 1-1 at 7-1 with Coral – is my call.
And talisman Kenny Miller could be the man who is the goal king. He is 17-2 at bet365 to score first and 11-4 at bet365 and Paddy Power to net at any time.
Width will be provided by Blackpool new boys Matt Phillips and Wigan star Shaun Maloney. It was Maloney who helped lead Wigan to safety with a string of superb shows in the late part of the season. Consider the deadball expert at 4-1 with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power to score.
Four Rangers players outfield players could be involved – Lee Wallace, Steven Whittaker, Mo Edu and Carlos Bocanegra. Scottish Rangers are 8-13 at William Hill to score more than American Rangers at 6-5. Void if a tie. Any Rangers star to score first pays 6-1 and just to net 13-8.
Ex-Rangers ace Andy Webster netted the last time the sides met in a 1-1 draw and the Hearts star is 8-1 with William Hill to score.
Recommendations
Miller to score
(11-4, bet365)
Scotland draw no bet
(11-4, William Hill)
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.
Is the Scotland game on live?
ESPN
programme starts at 12.45am
england fans will be delirious beating norway
portugal drawing germans and the dutch losing they must be a shoe in for the euros cant wait to read the avalanche on 459 tommorow
In my opinion England have no chance of winning. Spain or Germany for me
Chris, I think Danny was joking. England have as much chance as Scotland! Obviously Spain and Germany are top two in the betting so won’t be far away but who will be the dark horses? Under two weeks to pick them.
i was indeed
spain only one 2 – 0 but they did so with ease and without the likes of pedro busquets xavi iniesta fabregas puyol pique silva on the bench so half the first team think spain will win the euros they have got the class and the depth in their sqaud
got to say switzerland dark horses after beating the germans 5-3 good attacking but losing 3 would suggest a dodgy defence so you never know
time for the mighty scotland
Danny, I’ve said it already, ignore that Germany result it wasn’t anywhere near their strongest result. In fact, you could discount all of these friendly results because it’s about preparation not performance.
Danny, Switzerland didn’t qualify.
Looking at dark horses Paul I’d say Russia have a strong side and are a cert to qualify from group A. Problem is, they will meet a tough side in the quarters. Croatia could also take second place
in group C ahead of a poor Italy side.
I know they are hardly dark horses but the French are looking like a team once again under Blanc. As good a starting 11 as anyone so maybe worth a punt. What’s your thoughts?
Marc, not sure about Russia, reckon they’re too defensive under Advocaat but will be hard to beat. Interesting to see if France can take their form into a major finals but definitely one to look out for. I also like Croatia and for sure they could be the dark horses. Plenty up front, class act Modric in midfield and solid at the back.
usual nonsense
lol not a good start for me tipping teams that didnt even qualify
thatl do got him at 5/1
cant keep my eyes open snooze time
I was on USA -1. Time zone was messed up for scots
off to my nieces bithday party think a quick detour to the bookies for a iran helsinki crewe treble pays 5/1
no one has mentioned the portugees,if ronaldos in the mood they could be one to watch
Kris, they’ve been mentioned a couple of times. Key is getting out the group of death.