ALEX McLEISH has his work cut out as he fields an experimental Scotland side in Peru in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
This is a game that didn't make sense to many and that's been reflected in players who were unavailable or withdrew.
It's as makeshift as it gets for McLeish and whoever he picks will be tested in a packed stadium by a nation warming up for Russia.
The only boost for the Scots is the absence of star striker Paolo Guerrero who will miss the World Cup after testing positive for cocaine.
It's a massive blow for the South Americans but they should still be too strong for an untried group that includes rookies such as Killie's Stephen O'Donnell, Hibs' Lewis Stevenson, Motherwell's Dylan McGeouch and Celtic's Lewis Morgan.
Johnny Russell, now plying his trade at Kansas City, will only hook up for the Mexico match.
Peru are no bigger than 1-3 at McBookie so consider them at 21-20 with bet365 minus one and I like Peru to win to nil at 17-20 with McBookie.
Since reaching Russia by beating New Zealand in a play-off they've played two friendlies – beating Croatia 2-0 and Iceland 3-1. Both those sides are better than us when we're at full strength.
With Guerrero out the focus will be on Lokomotiv Moscow winger Jefferson Farfan. He has 24 goals in 81 games for his country and is 3-1 favourite at McBookie to score first.
Shortest-priced Scot is Oli McBurnie at 15-1 with Unibet while Matt Phillips, who netted our goal in Hungary last time out, is 19-1 with the same firm.
To win Scotland are 12-1 at Marathonbet who have the draw pencilled in at 4-1.
Recommended Bets (2am, Wed)
- Peru to win to nil
- Peru -1
- Farfan to score first
Mexico o1.5tgs vs Wales. Evens Ladbrokes odds boost
Dylan Mcgeough to Motherwell? Good shout ha