Scots to challenge qualification chasing Russia

Two sides with very different concerns meet in the far East of Europe as Russia take on Scotland, in their bid to secure qualification to Euro 2020 from Group I, Steve Clarke’s men on the other hand must win to keep their hopes alive. The Euro 2008 semi-finalists have been in fine form throughout the campaign and especially ruthless at home having not been breached at the back in a competitive encounter since the last World Cup. Stanislav Cherchesov would award his squad with their second opportunity to impress in a major tournament hoping to backup their surprise run to the quarter-finals at their home World Cup.

Recent form

Russia are relying on other outcomes for their qualification to be set in stone on Thursday night however with their quality defensive record and form in comparison to the Scots they should have nothing to worry about. The visitors have lost three on the bounce including a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture, adding to what has been a miserable campaign, capped by there awful opening game 3-0 loss in Kazakhstan.

They are some game changing players amongst Clarke’s squad it must be said and therefore the Russians must not take their foot off the pedal if they are to reap their just rewards at the first time of asking.

Ryan Fraser has been named in the squad despite a slow start to the season with Bournemouth it is clear the see his quality, with seven goals and 14 assists in 2018/19 for a mid-table side, if anyone is to unlock the backline he would be the most likely.

Key men

The best player on show will be Liverpool’s Andy Robertson although you could say Scotland’s strongest contingent is in the middle of the park with the likes of Scott McTominay and John McGinn. Aston Villa’s maestro Scotsman has taken very well to life in the Premier League scoring with his bursting attacking runs against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The more youthful McTominay has been given the responsibility of consistent selection under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has been justifying his managers faith with his tenacious attitude and constant running.

Ryan Fraser has been named in the squad despite a slow start to the season with Bournemouth it is clear the see his quality, with seven goals and 14 assists in 2018/19 for a mid-table side, if anyone is to unlock the backline he would be the most likely.

For the Russians Zenit St. Petersburg giant Artem Dzyuba is their focal point and was the Scots’ downfall in netting the equaliser in the last meeting. He has 21 goals in just 38 caps, comfortably averaging over a goal in every other game, and he is due one having failed to find the net in his last international where he led his nation out as captain.

Scotland will give it a really good go and demonstrate how Steve Clarke is starting to make his stamp on their performances. Russia could only beat Cyprus and Kazakhstan 1-0 at home in this qualifying campaign so I will predict another low scoring affair.

Russia – Scotland Betting Tip

Under 2.5 goals with 888sport at 4/6.

Bet Under 2.5 goals on 888sport