Scotland v Israel tips: Must-win game at Hampden Park tonight
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Preview and odds ahead of crunch tie
The final fixtures of the Nations League group stage take place tonight and they don’t come much more important than at Hampden Park.
Scotland are one win away from promotion to League B. But Israel are in town and know a point would be enough for them to advance.
Stick around to check out all the latest team news and odds ahead of the action from 7:45pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
Head-to-Head
The Scots lost 2-1 to Israel last month, which means only a win will do for Alex McLeish’s side.
Key to a Scotland win is keeping their heads. After going a goal up in Haifa, John Souttar got sent off which helped turn the game in Israel’s favour.
Beforehand the Tartan Army had a 100% win record against their opponents, all of which were played in the 1980s.
Likely XIs
McLeish will again be without at least nine of his first-team regulars. Kieran Tierney was the latest man to miss out and looks set to do so again tonight.
The absence of John McGinn and Kevin McDonald means we could see a 4-5-1 formation for the Scots.
Steven Fletcher may yet again be the lone striker, with Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie in the midfield.
Israel are captained by Olympiakos midfielder Bibras Natkho. He could be joined in the engine-room by Beram Kayal.
The Brighton and Hove Albion man sparked tensions in the Israeli camp on Instagram this week.
But he could be ready to slot into the starting line-up tonight.
Former Chelsea youth player Ben Sahar could feature from the bench.
Key Battles
Fletcher will be key to any Scotland result here, he will have to do a lot of unselfish work and hope the midfield can provide quality in the final third.
Captain Andy Robertson’s raids down the left-wing could open up this Israel team.
But if Kayal and Natkho can dictate the tempo of the game then it could be a long night for the Scots.
Dor Peretz scored the equaliser last month with a third man run. His off-the-ball movement will have to be watched closely this evening.
Match odds
Scotland are 17/20 to get the home win they need. Fletcher is 9/2 to score first for the Tartan Army.
Johnny Russell is mid-way through an MLS play-off campaign. But he could come on if needed and is 21/20 to net anytime.
Israel are 5/2 to get the draw they need and are 15/4 to grab another win against McLeish’s men.
There have been three or more goals in Scotland’s last five outings and also in three of Israel’s last four games.
Our traders have the match to produce Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score at 8/5.
Click here for more Scotland v Israel odds
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
