Be brave and back Scotland to beat England

Scotland look decent value at 11/4 with Coral to beat England in the “Battle Of Britain” at Celtic Park tonight (8pm KO, Live on ITV1).
Most international friendlies are insignificant affairs with managers experimenting and not overly concerned about the outcome.

However, this game does not fall into that category, and Scotland will see it as a chance to take the scalp of their arch-rivals in front of patriotic home supporters.

The Tartan Army will be in full cry, and a hostile atmosphere will greet England in a game expected to be played in front of a sell-out 60,000 crowd.

The outcome of this game may well be decided by which side plays with the most passion and pride rather than the form book, and I have a feeling that Scotland will be more up for the encounter than England.

Scotland have also become a tough side to beat under manager Gordon Strachan, and have secured seven points from nine in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign since going down fighting 2-1 to Germany in the opening game.

In the last of those they beat Ireland 1-0 in what was a really physical affair and, although this is a “friendly”, I expect them to go out with a similar approach and turn the game into a real battle.

So whilst it can be argued that England are the better side and worthy 11/10 favourites to come out on top, I feel there is enough to suggest that Scotland are the value punt to win a fascinating contest.

Shaun Maloney has scored in Scotland’s last two games, and that makes him look worth a wager at 10/1 in the first goalscorer market.
I also think that this will be a tight encounter, and under 2.5 goals rates a solid bet at 4/7.

Best Bets:
Scotland to win – 11/4
Shaun Maloney first goalscorer – 10/1
Under 2.5 goals – 4/7