IT'S a huge night at Hampden with Scotland's Euro 2016 future up in the air.
Defeat will see Gordon Strachan's side eliminated, a draw could keep hopes of a play-off alive and a victory will put them in pole position for third place unless Ireland beat Germany.
There are a lot of permutations but really Scotland have to go for the win in case the Irish shock the world champions in Dublin.
If it wasn't for one man I'd be confident about Scotland picking up the points. But the build-up to a titanic Euro 2016 qualifier has been dominated by the form of Robert Lewandowski.
Stop the Bayern Munich star and the Scots could be on the way to France via the play-offs. But if the Polish hitman is given the sort of service he gets from his German team-mates we'll be out before the flight to Faro.
Scotland remain 2-7 with William Hill to finish fourth and 9-4 to take the play-off spot.
Strachan's side's defeat in Georgia means they can't afford to lose and I don't think we will.
I'm not sure if I can tip the home win at 19-10 with McBookie but Scotland are 8-15 with Coral on the double chance.
Poland will have backers at 17-10 with McBookie and bet365 but that's almost solely due to Lewandowski who has hit 12 goals in four games for Bayern including that famous five against Wolfsburg in nine minutes.
It's worth remembering the Poles have won only four of their last 14 away and were held 2-2 by Scotland in Warsaw.
Lewandowski is 5-1 at Coral to score first and 6-4 with McBookie to net and there's no doubt they'll be the most popular punts of the night.
McBookie offer the Bayern star at 1-2 not to score but the Tartan Army prefer him to net two or more at 8-1 with McBookie or even 33-1 for a hat-trick.
William Hill offer Lewandowski 4-1 to score more than Scotland (8-11) with the draw 7-4.
Best bet of the night could be both teams to score at 1-1 with Coral from 21-20. Scotland sold a couple against Germany last time out but replied with a double in a 3-2 and of course the sides drew 2-2 in Warsaw.
I read today Scotland have netted in 34 of their last 35 European home qualifiers which is some stat.
Steven Fletcher is favourite to start on his own up front and is 7-1 at bet365 to score first. But Strachan may spring a surprise and thrown in Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths who is also 7-1 at bet365.
Scotland will of course have on eye on Dublin where they want a Germany win and that pays 8-15 at Betfred. Back Lewandowski's mate Thomas Muller to score first at 17-4 with 888sport.
Recommended Bets
Scotland v Poland btts
(1-1, Coral)
Lewandowski to score
(6-4, McBookie)
Muller (Germany) to score first
(17-4, 888sport)
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.
If Scotland are to win tonight they will have to score 2 goals cant see Poland not hitting the net.
Poland -1 9/2, 2pts
Poland-2 14/1 2pts
Poland all day long.
Hills also offer 4-1 on Ledwandowski to score and Poland to win, which is a much better bet than on him to outscore Scotland on his own.
Curiously the Racing Post also highlighted the poorer bet…..
Lyall, the one I quoted was the one I was sent.
Poland to win both halves 10/1
im sorry mr F but i dont think scotland have enough in the ranks to win tonight , draw POSSIBLY but the pressures seriously on and i dont think they are going to be able to cope with it
poland on the other hand have no pressure , a lethal midfield to provide an on fire lewandoski and if he doesnt score ardus millik will
il be backing
Poland & 02.5 @ 7/2
Poland @ 6/4
Over 2.5 Goals @ 5/4
A red Card to be Shown @ 11/4
best of luck
JJY, I haven’t tipped Scotland to win – I’ve said I think it will be a draw.
How have poland no pressure.. they obviously still want to qualify first ahead of ze germans! Hampden will be rocking tonight!
Poland will land their qualification bonus (up to £100,000 for some players) if they win tonight, which should spur them on to win by a couple of goals.
Colin K, £100k is about a week’s wages to guys like Lewandowski. Is that such a big deal?
Maybe not for Lewandowski but for less known players who have played most games like Szukała, Mila, Rybus and Mączyński, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind an extra £100,000 on top of their wages!! They aren’t a one man team after all!
Colin K, I read the story and accept what you say but I’d imagine most countries, including Scotland, will be handing out these sort of bonuses for qualifying.
When it comes to your country the money shouldn’t matter.
I’m in work so can’t access prices, but I wonder what sort of odds you would get for Lewandowski and Muller both to score in each half. Maybe worth a £1 to keep interest if other bets are down!
MR F – i know you didnt i was just addressing your preview which understanbly weighs in scotland’s favour
jamesy- of course they do , but they dont have the weight of an entire nation on their shoulders to get a result
Colin K, i would imagine they would be about be around 5/2 each possibly less
I feel Ericksen can score tonight too