Euro 2016 Qualifier preview and odds: Scotland vs. Poland

Published on: 07/10/2015

Euro 2016 Qualifier preview and odds: Scotland vs. Poland

October 8, 2015 19:45pm Hampden Park

Euro 2016 Group D

Scotland will be attempting to keep their Euro 2016 dreams alive when they welcome Poland to Hampden Park for this crucial Group D clash on Thursday night.

Scotland rue missed opportunity

When Scotland lost to Georgia back in September it seemed like their hopes of appearing in next summers UEFA showpiece tournament had all but vanished. A few days later - following defeat to World Champions Germany - their chances of automatic qualification were gone. But despite those two defeats, Scotland still have a mathematical chance of making it to France next year via the play-offs.

Two wins in their next two games would give the Scots a great chance of claiming third place in Group D ahead of the Republic of Ireland. A four-point haul could also see them finish third if the Irish fail to win either of their remaining games - both of which are against the top two sides in the group.

With a final fixture against Gibraltar awaiting Gordon Strachans men, the game against Poland could be make or break and they will be going all out for the win.

Poland taking nothing for granted

The Polish team have been clinical and focussed throughout this campaign having pushed World Cup winners Germany all the way in the race for top spot in Group D. However, the job of qualification is not yet complete and they cannot afford any slip-ups while the Republic of Ireland are still within striking distance of second place.

A win against Scotland would put the Poles through if the Irish fail to beat Germany. With so much at stake, this game should make fascinating viewing for neutrals and fans alike.

Team news

Scotland will be without James Morrison who is suspended for this game. Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan may call upon the services of Darren Fletcher to add some composure and experience to the midfield area. The biggest headache for the Scotland boss will be who to play up front with Leigh Griffiths, Chris Martin, Steven Fletcher and Jordan Rhodes all in contention for a start.

Poland have no suspensions and are expected to stick with the side that demolished Gibraltar last time out.

Recent form (Euro Qualifying)

Scotland: LLDWW

Crystal Palace: WLWDW

Betting odds and tips

With Scotland needing a positive result to have any chance of making the play-offs and the Polish needing a win to secure qualification, this should be a tense and exciting game.

The last time the teams met - in Warsaw last October - the game ended in a 2-2 draw, and a close result should be expected again. A stalemate could still suit Scotland if the Irish fail to beat Germany in Dublin, and a point would also leave qualification still in the hands of the Poles. The draw can be backed at 9/4 with Bet365.

In the Anytime Goal Scorer market, the tournaments leading striker Robert Lewandowski can be backed at 28/17 with 10bet.

Published on: 07/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/10/2015 11:24:04) but are subject to change.