SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) shares his verdict on Wednesday's Nations League tussle between Scotland and Israel.
Israel vs Scotland | Wednesday 18th November 2020, 19:45 | Sky Sports
Despite losing their nine match unbeaten record in Slovakia on Sunday, the Scots actually played pretty well in the 1-0 defeat. In the first half in particular they passed up three or four good chances, to put the Slovaks to the sword. The hosts scored from a deflected shot on one of their rare attacking forays.
Israel come into this final matchday after a 1-0 defeat in the Czech Republic. Sitting in third place in League B Group 2 with five points, they are currently five points behind Scotland, who sit top with 1- points going into the final matchday.
Steve Clarke understandably freshened up his side and made eight changes on Sunday, but will pretty much revert to his first choice line-up for this crucial match. If the Scots can match or better the Czech Republic's result against Slovakia – they will top the group. Finishing at the summit of the section, brings with it a fairly good chance of a World Cup play-off spot further down the line.
With this in mind, I think a fresher, stronger Scottish eleven will be well up for winning this match in Netanya, against the Israeli hosts who have less to play for. So I’m suggesting a Scotland win at a decent 7/4 with Paddy Power.
Goalscorers
When scanning the markets, there are two stand-out prices for first goalscorer – Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes are both priced at 8/1.
Christie has been in excellent form in recent matches for his nation, scoring four goals in his last six matches, and will also be poised for any penalty kick opportunity.
Dykes was suspended on Sunday, however you would think if a couple of similar chances that fell to Ollie McBurnie in Trnava, landed on Lyndon’s lap, he would perhaps take one of them. The impressive, big front-man is currently on two goals for Scotland, having played the equivalent minutes of five matches.
Finally, a more speculative 90/1 punt on Stephen O'Donnell to score first is perhaps also worth an interest. The wing-backs got into a few excellent attacking positions at the weekend, Liam Palmer who deputised for O'Donnell, in particular squandered a couple of decent openings.
O'Donnell has scored a few goals at club level in the past, and I have no doubt he will break his duck at some point for his country, it would certainly be a timely time to notch tonight.
Best Bets
Israel vs Scotland – Scotland to win (7/4 Paddy Power)
Israel vs Scotland – Ryan Christie to score first (8/1 Bet365)
Israel vs Scotland – Lyndon Dykes to score first (8/1 Betfair)
Israel vs Scotland – Stephen O’Donnell to score first (90/1 Betfair)
