International
2011-05-25 - Wales vs Scotland
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : International Carling Nations Cup
Wednesday 25 May 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Wales
Wales are journeying into a new era as Gary Speed continues with his preparations that are likely to reap rewards, if any, by the time the World Cup Qualifying campaign starts in around 18 months time. The Welsh team has lost a few decent players in recent times but will look to the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to create future successes.
The Carling Nations Cup is clearly not one of Speed's priorities, especially after losing their opening match to the Republic of Ireland which leaves Wales unlikely to win the tournament. Therefore, it has been decided that the full squad will be used for the 2 matches against Scotland and Northern Ireland, with no Premier League players being used for this game.
Wales have lost 5 games in a row since beating Luxembourg in a friendly at home, and the defeat to England at home ended any hopes of competing at Euro 2012 next year. They lost 3-0 to the Republic of Ireland in the first game of this competition and have not won a game away from home since October 2009.
Scotland
Craig Levein brings his Scotland team for the last 2 games of the Carling Nations Cup with a real prospect of picking up some silverware for the nation.
There is a real sense of optimism in Scotland that they can at least reach a Play Off spot for the Euro 2012 competition. Spain may be running away with the group, but Scotland are in a good position although will need to beat the Czech Republic at home to give themselves a chance. A 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in the first set of games in this competition has only boosted confidence.
Scotland have struggled with travelling outside of their country, winning 1 of their last 8 games in such circumstances. Even worse for them is the fact the goals against Northern Ireland are their only ones outside of Scotland in those 8 games.
Levein is expected to name a strong looking line up with Charlie Adam, Matt Gilks and Stephen Crainey of Blackpool all being included in the starting line up.
Head to Head
Wales beat Scotland 3-0 in a friendly back in November in a game that turned out to be the last for George Burley as manager.
That means Wales have won their last 3 games with Scotland, although the last meeting was 2004 before the game in November.
Prediction
Scotland have a real chance to give themselves a chance to win this tournament and face a Wales team that wont have the type of calibre of player for this game as they are used to, saving them for the game with Northern Ireland on Friday.
Craig Levein seems to be much more serious about this tournament than Gary Speed, with the latter criticising the organisation of the tournament.
This leads me to think Scotland at odds against look a solid bet to win this game and go on their game with the Republic of Ireland in a winner takes all game.
The Pick :
Wales 0-2 Scotland
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Scotland to WIN @ 2.10 (2 UNITS)Follow me on Twitter- the direct link is below
