Israel vs Scotland: Back Group B2 leaders to sign-off with an away win

Israel vs Scotland: Back Group B2 leaders to sign-off with an away win

An away win would see Scotland secure top spot in Group B2 and Frankie Monkhouse is happy to back them to do that at odds-against on the Betfair Sportsbook...

Israel vs Scotland
Wednesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports

Chance to finish top

Scotland head to Israel in midweek for their sixth and final UEFA Nations League match and know victory would be enough to see them secure top spot in Group B2. There's a feel-good factor surrounding the national team following their qualification for next summer's European Championships and Steve Clarke's men will be eager to sign off with three points.

In order to round off the campaign with a fourth group win the Scots must do something they've been unable to in their last two attempts, defeat Israel. The pair have played out a draw in each of their last two meetings and another competitive encounter is expected on Wednesday.

Blue and Whites seeking revenge

Israel won their only other home match against Scotland thanks to a narrow 2-1 in October 2018. Charlie Mulgrew scored from the penalty spot to give his men a lead on 25 minutes, but Don Peretz fired the locals level early in the second half. A Kieran Tierney own goal won Israel the points after Jon Souttar had been sent off on the hour mark.

The sides met again in the European Championship playoff semi-final at Hampden Park last month when the Scots got their revenge. That match finished goalless after 90 minutes and extra-time before Scotland bagged their place in the final with a 5-3 win in the penalty shootout. The Blue and Whites had more luck in this competition, beating Slovakia 3-2 on the road last month but they know they have no chance of finishing in the top two of Group B2.

Scots suffer Sunday hangover

The international break has already proven a memorable one for members of the Tartan Army. Scotland secured their place in Euro 2020 thanks to a stunning penalty shootout win over Serbia last Thursday. The dark blues performed admirably that night, taking the lead through Ryan Christie on 52 minutes but suffered a late blow when Serbia struck level on 90. Goalkeeper David Marshal saved the final penalty from Aleksandar Mitrovic to send Clarke's men through.

That win over Serbia kicked off wild celebrations, both in the Scotland camp and back home as the team secured their place in a major tournament for the first time since France 1998. It was then, perhaps, understandable, the team performed below-par against Slovakia on Sunday. Jan Gregus' shot took a wicked deflection on its way past Craig Gordon for a 1-0 Slovakia win.

Scotland have impressed

This will go down as a disappointing Nations League campaign for the home team and it'll be interesting to see how seriously they take this game, especially without a home crowd to answer to. Will they push to finish with a win or run down the clock, looking forward to future challenges? The home win is 13/8 on the Betfair Sportsbook.

Scotland have impressed from the start in Group B2 and held onto their proud unbeaten record until the fifth game of six. The Scots did lose last time out, but excuses can be made for that result and they were the better team on the day, beaten only by a deflected goal scored against the run of play. Scotland to finish things off with a win is 13/8 or there's 23/10 on the draw, both prices taken from the Betfair Sportsbook.

Christie brings scoring form

Each of the last two games involving these sides have ended in a draw with each producing two goals or less. This renewal ending with under 2.5 goals is worth a second look with the Betfair traders quoting 21/20. Over 2.5 goals in the game is 3/4.

Those looking for a play at a bigger price may be interested to know Ryan Christie was the last Scotland player to score against Israel, netting the opener in a 1-1 draw back in the summer. Christie was also on target against Serbia and the Czech Republic. He's 13/5 to find the net again in this game.