THERE'S a fascinating clash between Poland and Scotland on Tuesday night in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) runs the rule over the betting.
Poland v Scotland | Tuesday 19:45 | Sky Sports 1
When the fixtures for this group were compiled earlier this year, this looked a key one. The newly expanded format for Euro 2016 plays beautifully into the hands of nations like these two. But who will take the points here?
There's no doubt that the Polish side will be buzzing after their extraordinary victory over the world champions at home on Saturday night but how will they deal with that higher level of expectation? They could be inspired by their victory, or they could still be revelling in it come Tuesday night and lose focus. It's an interesting conundrum.
Before Saturday night you could make a strong case for Poland being in decline. Hosting Euro 2012 proved to be a bit of a disaster with no wins from their three group games, while their attempt to qualify for Brazil fell apart early when they failed to beat Moldova. Perhaps their Euro 2012 hangover has dissipated and they're now ready to challenge again?
I'm always very objective about my nation but I really feel Scotland's price is too big here at 4/1 with BetVictor. The level of improvement in Gordon Strachan's side over the last 18 months has been there for all to see. Only Germany and Belgium have got the better of them in that period and they'll feel confident heading into this game. After all, they did win in Poland earlier this year in a friendly!
On paper, their 1-0 win over Georgia on Saturday doesn't look too impressive but there was no sweat at any point in the game. The FIFA rankings get derided but surely the fact Scotland sit 41 places higher than Poland is worth mentioning. 41 places higher, one defeat in their last eight games, winners already in Poland in 2014 and available to back at 4/1. Hey, I've got to get involved!
Best Bets
Poland v Scotland – Scotland to win (4/1 BetVictor)
