Saturday Football Tips: Clarke’s Men Have Scot What it Takes

Scotland could take a massive step towards promotion to the top tier of the Nations League if they can claim a win over Republic of Ireland at Hampden this evening.

Steve Clarke's men leapfrogged Ukraine on Friday night with a fine 3-0 win and can put themselves in pole position to finish in top spot in Group B1, ahead of what could be a final day showdown with the Ukrainians on Tuesday.

The Scots had a bad day at the office in Dublin back in June when they were well beaten by the Irish at the Aviva Stadium but the bookies don't see a repeat happening tonight. The Dark Blues are even money to pick up the three points and given their recent Hampden record it's hard to argue with that.

The Irish, by their manager Stephen Kenny's admission, are in a bit of a transitional period, bleeding through younger players whilst still reliant on the likes of Shane Duffy and Matt Doherty who have made limited appearances for their clubs.

Expectation will be high among the Tartan Army tonight, and favouritism never tends to sit well with Scotland but there's a real air of confidence around the squad under Clarke and if they can replicate Friday's performance then the three points are there for the taking.

The other game in the group sees Ukraine travel to Armenia in a match they need to win but they looked like the stuffing had been knocked out them when departing the Hampden turf on Friday. The Armenians are by far the weakest in the group so as long as Ukraine go there with the right attitude they should have the quality to get the job done.

Promising youngster Mykhaylo Mudryk was most impressive at Hampden and he's a 9/4 to score. A Ukraine win combined with them scoring two or more is a decent option at 20/23.

In Group B4 Norway look well priced for a win in Slovenia. Erling Haaland and co are almost home and dry at the top of the group whilst their hosts prop up the group, without a win in four (D2 L2). Given the form Haaland is in at the moment you'd back any side he's playing in, so the 10/11 is worth getting on board with, even more so the even money on the Norwegians scoring two or more.

In the Challenge Cup in Scotland, Clyde could have a tough afternon againt Welsh Premier League side Caernarfon Town. The Canaries sit second in the table and play a Clyde side who have lost their last four, so the Welshmen are worth a second look at 13/8.

Inverness and Linfield should make up a solid 4/5 Double at home to Brechin City and away to Buckie Thistle respectively.

Super Singles

• Scotland to win 1/1 Bet365
• Norway to score two or more 1/1 Bet365
• Inverness & Linfield Double 4/5 Bet365

Upcoming Previews & Tips

• Football Bet of the Day: The Cobblers to have too much firepower for The Hatters
• Saturday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today's 15/2 Both Teams to Score & Total Team Goals Acca
• SlipsTips Tips: Scotland vs Republic of Ireland Bet Builder
• Goals Tips: BTTS, To Score 2+, Over 2.5 Goals and 83/1 Goals Acca Tips
• Sat 14:00 Armenia v Ukraine
• Sat 17:00 Slovenia v Norway
• Sat 19:45 Scotland v Republic of Ireland
• Sat 19:45 Spain v Switzerland
• Sun 19:45 Wales v Poland
• Sun 19:45 Netherlands v Belgium

Racing Tips

Saturday’s racing is jam packed of good racing. Rizzel’s picked out his three best bets.

• Racing tips: Hannon holds the key to the Cheveley Park

As always, let us know your football betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your weekend bets!

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