Scotland get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Friday night as they travel to Copenhagen to take on Denmark.
Scotland looked as if they were destined to finish bottom of their Nations League group after losing each of their opening three group matches, but seven points from their final three contests ensured a third-placed finish and gave them a second chance in the relegation playoff.
Steve Clarke’s side were drawn against Greece and claimed a 0-1 victory in Athens in the first leg, but a desperately poor second leg saw the Scots fall to a 0-3 defeat, seeing them relegated to League B.
Despite finishing eight points behind group winners Spain, Denmark ensured a second-place finish in League A Group 4, setting up a quarter-finals clash with Portugal.
Rasmus Hojlund gave The Danes a one-goal advantage to take to Lisbon for the second leg, but Brian Riemer’s team were beaten 5-3 on aggregate after extra-time to the eventual winners on an evening where our man Kevin landed a trio of winners.
How the bookies view it: Denmark favourites
As expected, Denmark are the bookmakers' favourites to claim all three points in Copenhagen on Friday night, with BoyleSports pricing a home success at 8/15.
A Scotland victory is an unfancied 9/2 with the same firm, whilst the draw is 14/5.
Head to head: Home advantage to count again?
These two nations faced each other in the last World Cup qualifying campaign, with Scotland defeating the Danes 2-0 at Hampden on the final Matchday, with the Scandinavians already sealing top spot.
De Rod-Hvide also won by a 2-0 scoreline at home, and a similar scoreline is a likely outcome on Friday night.
Players to watch: McTominay to make his mark?
Whilst I’m expecting a Denmark victory, I simply cannot ignore the 4/1 on offer at BoyleSports for Scott McTominay to score once again for his country.
Last season's Serie A MVP is already off the mark this season for Napoli and scored three times in Scotland’s Nations League campaign, including away at both Portugal and Greece, and is generally Scotland’s best bet for a goal.
Predicted line-ups:
After 14 months out through injury, Andreas Christensen returns to the national team squad and could partner Fulham's Joachim Andersen in defence.
Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon is out again due to injury, with Angus Gunn the likely candidate to take the gloves.
Denmark: Schmeichel, Maehle, Christensen, Andersen, Dorgu, Hjumland, Hojberg, Dreyer, Damsgaard, Olsen, Hojlund
Scotland: Gunn, Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson, Gilmour, McLean, Christie, McTominay, McGinn, Adams
Anything else catch the eye?
Since March 2023, Denmark have been formidable at home, winning eight of their nine competitive matches (W8-D0-L1), with their solitary loss coming against European champions Spain.
Six of those eight victories saw The Danes score at least twice, so a Denmark Win & Over 1.5 Goals pays an appealing 10/11 at BoyleSports.
However, neither of those wins have been routs, with all eight featuring fewer than five goals, so a Denmark Win & Under 4.5 Goals is an alternative option, and that pays 17/20 at Betway.
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