THERE were more people at the Clydebank game on Saturday wearing shorts than I know who like betting on international friendlies.
I'm writing this piece with little confidence and I'd urge caution because there are weakened sides, experimental ones and others who simply just won't be bothered.
Last night's and single and handicap bets came up so I'm using those winnings tonight and nothing more.
Scotland are both weakened and experimental but after the sacking of Craig Levein and a disastrous start to their World Cup campaign they need to win away to Luxembourg.
Caretaker boss Billy Stark has been hit by a raft of withdrawals so the likes of Leigh Griffiths, Craig Samson, Liam Kelly, Darren Barr and Andrew Shinnie will be introducing themselves to old stagers such as Kenny Miller, James Morrison and Darren Fletcher.
Stark will be keen to pick up a win against the minnows to lift spirits – and boost his chances of being handed the job on a full-time basis.
Scotland are no bigger than 4-6 at Betfred and Ladbrokes and although it's short they should prevail.
Luxembourg's last two matches have ended in 3-0 and 6-0 defeats but before that they drew 1-1 away to Northern Ireland.
There are still decent hitmen in the Scots squad and I'll be on Rhodes at 5-1 with Ladbrokes to break the deadlock if he starts.
Miller 6-1 at Coral and new boy Leigh Griffiths – likely to be introduced in the second half is 5-1 at McBookie.com.
Scotland should be pushing for an early goal and are 13-8 at Blue Square to be winning HT/FT.
I wouldn't advise gambling to much on friendlies and elsewhere the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, Mesut Ozil and Wayne Rooney will be also be missing their country's meaningless match.
England travel to Sweden with Roy Hodgson minus half the squad he picked for his last World Cup qualifier in Poland. It was 3-2 to England at Euro 2012 and Sweden drew 4-4 with Germany last time out so over 3.5 goals at 3-1 with William Hill could be best bet here.
Steven Gerrard is 12-1 at BetVictor to mark his 100th cap by scoring first but Zlatan Ibrahmovic is a more likely opening scorer at 11-2 with Ladbrokes and William Hill.
There are two World Cup qualifiers with Northern Ireland tackling Azerbaijan at home after holding Portugal away. Aberdeen hotshot Niall McGinn hit the opener in that one and is 12-1 at Betfred to score first.
To make it nine goals in nine games the ex-Celt is 10-3 at Betfred. The Irish are no bigger than 8-11 at William Hill but a draw wouldn't be a huge surprise.
The heavyweight contests feature Holland v Germany and Italy v France despite a host of missing men they could be games that throw up goals.
Spain (at Panama) and Argentina (at Saudi Arabia) will be well backed at short prices while Brazil face South American rivals Colombia in New Jersey and are a best 4-6 at William Hill and Ladbrokes.
Recommendations
McGinn to score
(10-3, Betfred)
Scotland HT/FT
(13-8, Blue Square)
Over 2.5 goals Sweden v England
(3-1, 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.
Would bet L Griffiths to score first goal if he starts on form striker.
John, don’t think Griffiths will start. Rhodes and Miller ahead of him.
Paul i thought Fletcher had withdrew from squad ? Thought Stark might play an experimental team and give few youngsters a chance we all know what Kenny Miller can do.
John, think you’re right about Fletcher, lost track a bit because of the number of call-offs. So he probably will start with Miller, as you said having dragged him over from Canada.
Prices for McGinn to both score first and anytime look very generous considering his current form, I think at Aberdeen hes playing through the middle at present (could be wrong) still even if hes outwide still a fine price.
As for Scotland I would presume Miller might earn the right to start for making the long trip even though it might be benificial to give someone else a go.
Sean, I think McGinn is worth a look and remember he also scored Ireland’s goal in Azerbaijan. Having said that it’s a tough game against a solid side.
Wrote a slip out in betfred for 3games btts plusl leyton o / Scotland win only to be told they don’t accept mixed bets on slip what’s that all about?
Hughie, that’s surely ignorance from that shop staff. Nothing wrong with that bet unless Orient or Scotland were also in your both teams to score selections. What shop was it?
E Crawford st Greenock both to win not same as btts bit stumped why they refused
OK, we’ve named and shamed them. Maybe someone can explain why that bet wasn’t taken. Was it ignorance as I suggested or have they changed their policy? I’ve placed loads of this type of bet online and in shops such as Coral, Ladbrokes and Hills in the past and never been refused.
Cheers all the best tonight looks like Russia came in for you always a sweat.
Hughie, u spoke too soon. USA 90th-minute equaliser which is just crazy after the week I’ve had starting with Inverness. Been beaten by so many late goals recently. Luckily I do not have high expectations tonight. My main bets are on Scotland so if we don’t win I’ll be first to roar: Sack the boss.
Jinxed it typical
Hughie, actually might be a few draws tonight but thought Russia had it there. I wouldn’t bet on an Under-21 friendly but the six finished so far have all been draws.
I will stick with my btts can’t see any thing but a scots win maybe even -1 depends how stark sets up ex Morton maneger I think don’t think he was too savvy then.
Gone for a double tonight
Germany -1
Scotland -1
£10 returns £133
Hungary5-4 with England 6-4 .ladbrokes
Also went speculative
Alex kacaniklic first 15/1
Ghana to score before 47 mins
Ivory Coast to score before 52 mins
Norway goal before 56 mins
Morocco goal before 44 mins
Bet365 10.29/1