Scotland v Norway Selections

BetAsia breaksdown Saturday`s Scotland v Norway match, giving out a pair of selections.

Scotland v Norway
World Cup Qualifier
Saturday, 3pm (UK time)

Is this a winner takes all match? Not quite – but the fixture has become a crucial encounter for both teams after their disappointing starts to their World Cup campaigns last month. Scotland lost 1-0 in Macedonia before winning 2-1 in Iceland, while Norway began with a humiliating 2-2 home draw with the Icelanders. As a result of the results, the pressure is already starting to mount on managers George Burley and Age Hareide as they seek to turn things around.

Scotland are missing some important players – Alan Hutton (Spurs), captain Barry Ferguson (Rangers) and Stephen McManus (Celtic) are all sidelined, while striker Kenny Miller (Rangers) is also ruled out. Veteran David Weir is likely to be handed the armband, but the absences make a home victory unlikely. The home side are 11/10, with Norway 11/4 and the draw 13/5. Home advantage means the Scots might be good enough to nick a point, but we feel Norway`s superior quality makes them a good bet to avoid defeat so will bet the draw.

Goals offer a terrific option. The fact the two teams conceded three goals in two games between them against Iceland last month is indicative of their defensive vulnerability – and the fact that Scotland`s back four are likely to find it very difficult to handle big John Carew merely increases the chances of goals. Down the other end, Norway have their own defensive problems – regular goalkeeper Rune Jarstein has been out of form this season, so is competing for a starting place with uncapped 33-year-old Jon Knudsen. Such confusion over the goalkeeping slot will breed uncertainty in the defensive ranks so back over 2.5 goals as a result.

Recommended Bets:
2pts on the draw at 13/5
3pts on over 2.5 goals at 29/25