Scotland will be desperate to pick themselves up when they entertain Northern Ireland in an international friendly on Tuesday evening.
Coming off the back of a chastening 4-0 reverse at the hands of the Netherlands, Scotland, who are without a win in any of their past six competitive outings, don’t have long to sort things out before Euro 2024.
In stark contrast, Northern Ireland, have enjoyed a mini resurgence, and a 1-1 draw away to Romania backed up their encouraging 2-0 victory over Denmark four months ago.
Moreover, with the likes of Conor Bradley shining, it would seem to suggest that the future bodes well for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland haven’t fared so well against Scotland in the past, but will they dampen spirits at Hampden Park?
I have dashed off to the betting markets and plucked out a couple of intriguing tips for your perusal.
Northern Ireland hit a bump in the road
While experience was in short supply for Michael O’Neill’s men against Romania, especially with the absence of Jonny Evans, the starting XI boasted an average age of 23.5.
There was certainly plenty of vim and vigour about Northern Ireland at times, and it was an international debut to remember for Jamie Reid who needed just seven minutes to open his account.
Yet they will be wary of a Scotland side who will no doubt be licking their wounds after conceding three late second-half goals against the Netherlands, but being able to convert clear-cut chances was the story of their night.
Lawrence Shankland, for example, found himself one-on-one with Mark Flekken but flashed an effort against the bar, however, Scotland have been rather leaky of late, shipping 18 goals in their past six outings.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will be under no illusion of what will be required to stifle Scotland, and they haven’t beaten them since 1983. Hampden Park will be bouncing for this Home Nations clash, and international football under the lights is always a special occasion.
Of Scotland’s past seven matches, six of them have surpassed the Over 2.5 goals line and I expect there to be goals in this one.
For my opening gambit, I’m going to go with Scotland to return to winning ways & BTTS which is priced at a tempting 10/3 with William Hill.
Scott McTominay to have a ball
Despite a rather subdued display against the Netherlands, Scott McTominay is one of those players that invariably comes to the fore.
With only two more friendlies to come before their opening Euro 2024 game against Germany in June, Scotland will need their top stars to stand up and be counted.
Although his last goal in Scotland colours came in a 2-2 draw away to Georgia back in November, McTominay could produce a rousing display against Northern Ireland.
It could be one that sees him grab a double, and I like the look of the 12/1 odds proffered by bet365.
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