Scotland v FYR of Macedonia
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010 European (UEFA) Qualifiers
Saturday, 5th September 2009 - Kickoff 15:00

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Group Nine has been one-way traffic with the Netherlands crushing all opponents - and the other teams in this five team group are battling only for the runners-up spot.

Scotland (3rd) 2-1-3 4:10

Scotland started the group with a 0-1 loss away at Macedonia almost exactly a year ago, but the Scots have slowly pulled themselves back into the race for a playoff spot before a disasterous 0-4 thrashing in Norway last month.

Home form has played a potitive part in Scotland's attempts to qualify in the recent past, with the Scot's going 6-1-1 at home since the start of the Euro2008 campaign.

Scotland Team News :
Christophe Berra is rulled out due to illness, so Scotland boss George Burley appears to be favouring Celtic captain Stephen McManus to start his first game of the season alongside veteran Rangers skipper David Weir.

Scotland have also lost Kilmarnock striker Kevin Kyle to injury, while third-choice goalkeeper Neil Alexander will miss the Macedonia game after picking up a knock in training.

Macedonia (2nd) 2-1-3 4:7

Macedonia are talking postively in the press about their chances at Hampden Park, possbily encouraged by a close 2-3 loss to Spain in a recnt friendly game.

But the truth is that Macedonia do not travel well, and in 23 competitive matches away from home since 2000, the Macedonians have a record of just 3-8-12 - with the wins coming over Armenia, Estonia, and Andorra.

So far in this campaign Macedonia have lost both away fixtures without scoring.

The Betting Verdict :

Much like the club sides, the Scottish National side are far more formidable at home than when playing away (rated a full goal stronger in my spreadsheets).

Scotland's recent home form has been good, with only the 0-0 draw against Norway to be considered a disappoint result in the last six, and with Norway close behind this match is a "must win" fixture for both sides.

I'll give Scotland the firm nod to take a victory.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Scotland 2-0 Macedonia

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Scotland 70% - Draw 20% - Macedonia 10%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take SCOTLAND to win