SCOTLAND are still smarting from their painful World Cup play-off defeat but there's no time to wallow in self-pity as they kick off another Nations League campaign at home to Armenia.
The Tartan Army were dreaming of a jaunt to Qatar this winter after an eight-game unbeaten run but that came shuddering to a halt when Ukraine claimed a deserved 3-1 triumph at Hampden in the play-off semi-finals.
The manner of the defeat was just as devastating as the result, with the Scots getting nowhere near the levels that had saw them end the World Cup qualifying group in such style.
Thoughts now turn towards Euro 2024 and the next week could be crucial, with qualification for the last finals only secured thanks to the Scots topping their Nations League group to secure a play-off slot.
A double-header with Armenia is sandwiched between a clash with the Republic of Ireland this weekend and it's imperative Scotland begin with a victory at Hampden.
Armenia shocked the Irish with a 1-0 win in Yerevan last weekend (below), busting the coupon of our man Mark, so they will be looking to claim another scalp against a Scots side on a downer after their World Cup woe.
Steve Clarke's challenge will be making sure Scotland shake off that disappointment and make a positive start to the Nations League to lift the deflated Tartan Army.
How the bookies view it
Armenia have been written off and are as big as 19/2 at SBK for another shock win. Even the draw is 4/1 with the same firm who price a Scotland win at a measly 7/18.
Head to head
This is the first meeting between these nations since Armenia became independent in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse.
Team news
Scotland are without striker Lyndon Dykes after he picked up an injury against Ukraine but right-back Nathan Patterson could recover from a long-term problem to feature.
Arman Hovhannisyan is set to miss out for the Armenians after he was crocked in the weekend win over the Republic of Ireland.
Players to watch
Ryan Christie was probably Scotland's most dangerous player after replacing Dykes at half-time in the loss to Ukraine. The Bournemouth man should start in this one and is 7/4 with Bet365 for anytime scorer which looks great value.
Tigran Barseghyan led the line for Armenia against the Irish and should be their focal point again at Hampden. He's a whopping 6/1 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Armenia were happy to sit deep and frustrate at home against the Irish so I'd suspect them to adopt the same tactics at Hampden. If the Scots fail to make an early breakthrough it could be a poor spectacle so under 2.5 goals looks decent at 11/13 with SBK while betting against BTTS is too skinny at a best 3/5 with BetVictor.
I'd be surprised if Armenia scored so a Scotland win to nil could also pay off at 20/21 with McBookie. Backing Scotland corners backfired for me in the defeat by Ukraine but I'm tempted to go for it here as Armenia will park the bus. I can't see any markets for corner handicaps yet and the only bet I can see is over nine match corners, which pays 11/10 with Bet365.
Armenia's Varazdat Haroyan could be worth backing for a card as the Cadiz defender has amassed 11 yellow cards this season. He's 6/4 with Bet365 to add to his card collection at Hampden.
This UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Armenia will be played on Jun 8, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Scotland vs Armenia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
