Thursday’s Football Tips: Scotland need to banish Euro 2024 blues against Poland

The UEFA Nations League kicks off tonight and Scotland are in desperate need of a lift when Poland come to Hampden.

The Tartan Army marched on Germany in huge numbers this summer in the hope Steve Clarke's men would make history by reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

Instead they suffered a case of deja blues as the Scots finished bottom of the section with just one point and one goal to show for their efforts, a mirror image of Euro 2020.

Clarke came under fire for another poor show at the finals and needs to restore some faith in the Nations League but it won't be easy with Poland, Croatia and Portugal in a tough group.

Scotland vs Poland top betting tips

Poland's Euro 2024 campaign was just as bad as Scotland's and they joined Clarke's side in bowing out early after finishing bottom of their group.

So they also have a point to prove at Hampden and it has the makings of a close game, with the half-time draw a decent option at evens with Befred.

Poland's biggest issue at the Euros was star striker Robert Lewandowksi picking up an injury heading into the finals. He featured in some of the games but was never really at his best.

But the Barcelona star has started the season well in La Liga, netting four times already, so he looks overpriced at 13/8 for anytime scorer.

Poland's pace down the wings will be a threat and Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston looks good at 15/4 for a card with Bet365 if he starts.

Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg top tips

Michael O'Neill's second coming as Northern Ireland boss hasn't gone to plan so far with the Irish nowhere near qualifying for Euro 2024.

But there have been signs of life recently, with a win over Denmark in the final qualifier followed by a friendly draw in Romania and a win in Scotland.

Betfred make Northern Ireland evens favourites to kick off their Nations League campaign with a win over Luxembourg but it's a tricky opener.

Luxembourg are no longer whipping boys and they've beaten the Republic of Ireland, Bosnia and Iceland in recent years. I can see this being close and the half-time draw appeals again at evens.

Bet365 have some prices for cards and Irish midfielder Ali McCann looks good at 7/2 if the Preston man gets the nod to start.

Serbia vs Spain top betting tips

Nobody could lay a glove on Spain as they romped to glory at Euro 2024 and their Under-23 side then made it an even more glorious summer by striking Olympic gold in Paris.

It will be interesting to see if there's any hangover from the celebrations in the Nations League as the Spanish have a tricky opener away to Serbia.

But the Serbs were poor at the Euros and they're missing their big guns here with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Tadic, Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Kostic all ruled out.

It's hard to see a shock without that kind of firepower and a Spanish win to nil pays 5/4. Serbia still have some decent players in reserve though and PAOK winger Andrija Zivkovic looks good at 5/2 just to have an effort on target.

Thursday's Football Tips: Super singles

• Robert Lewandowski anytime scorer 13/8 Betfred
• HT draw in Northern Ireland v Luxembourg Evens Betfred
• Serbia's Andrija Zivkovic over 0.5 shots on target 5/2 Bet365

Upcoming match previews & tips

• Thu 19:45 Scotland v Poland
• Thu 19;45 Denmark vs Switzerland
• Thu 19:45 Serbia vs Spain
• Thu 19:45 Portugal v Croatia
• Football Bet of the Day: Don’t expect goals at Dundalk on Thursday night
• Next Man City manager odds market may see surge for Michel soon

Racing Tips

After a 12/1 winner on Wednesday, Cairnzy and Rizzel are back with some more hot racing tips.

• Thursday’s Racing Tips – Mercury Day can keep the Conrad Allen form rolling at Newbury
• Thursday’s Lucky 15 Tips – Selections from Salisbury, Haydock and Lingfield

As always, post your betting tips for today in the comments section below.

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