Written By: Mark Walker, , Match Preview

SCOTLAND host Northern Ireland at Hampden on Tuesday in what will be a chance for the Tartan Army to show their support before the Euros.

Steve Clarke's side were in action on Friday night in Amsterdam and somehow lost 4-0 to the Dutch, although even the hosts were quick to acknowledge it was never that sort of a game.

It has to be of some concern to the fans though that Scotland have now not won in their last six games, despite such an impressive qualifying campaign.

Admittedly, they have played England, France and Spain as well as the Dutch in that spell and they are all among the main favourites to win the Euros.

But they need to start taking their chances and defending better.

Northern Ireland were also on their travels when Michael O'Neil's side went to Bucharest to play against Romania.

And they returned with a highly respectable 1-1 draw against Euros-bound Romania, who are unbeaten in 12 games now.

Impressively, Northern Ireland had five players in their team 21 or younger and didn't have anyone over 30. So there are signs that there are better times ahead for the Ulster side.

How the bookies view it

Scotland are strong favourites here at 1/2 with Coral, with the visitors 11/2 with Paddy Power. The draw is 16/5 with Betfred.

Recent head to heads

Scotland played against Northern Ireland 63 times and won 36 and lost 13 with the other games draws.

They haven't conceded a goal against them at Hampden since 1981 and haven't lost to them at Hampden in the last 11 meetings.

Players to watch

Lawrence Shankland somewhat fluffed his big chance in Amsterdam and you would expect Steve Clarke to turn to Che Adams from now on. The Southampton star is 13/8 to score anytime with Paddy Power.

Jamie Reid marked his international debut with a goal in Bucharest after just eight minutes and the Stevenage striker is 7/2 to score anytime with UniBet.

Anything else catch the eye?

Scotland should have enough quality here to end their winless run, but expect a young Northern Ireland side to give them a battle.

Steve Clarke's side's Achilles heel is their defence and it wouldn't be any surprise whatsoever if the visitors scored. Back Scotland to win and both teams to score at 11/4 with Coral.

Northern Ireland scored early in Romania and with both sides having nothing to lose, it could pay to go for both teams to score in the first half at 4/1 with Paddy Power.

This match between Scotland and Northern Ireland will be played on Mar 26, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Scotland vs Northern Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Scotland to win and both teams to score
11/4
Coral
Both teams to score in first half
4/1
PaddyPower

Please gamble responsibly. For assistance with problem gambling please visit GambleAware.co.uk

VIEW MORE FREE TIPS