Scotland are aiming to take another step towards Nations League promotion when they face a tricky trip to Israel on Thursday night.
Alex McLeish’s men opened their Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Albania at Hampden last month and the Scots will be looking to build upon that success when they visit Haifa.
Latest odds
Israel have won just one of their last 10 matches – a 1-0 win against Liechtenstein 12 months ago – but they are available at 8/5 (2.60) to sink the Scots.
McLeish’s first victory of his second spell as Scotland boss came away from home – in an international friendly against Hungary back in March.
The Scots are chalked up as a 19/10 (2.90) shot with SportPesa to claim victory on Israeli soil, while the same firm go 41/20 (3.05) that the match ends all square.
Team news
Jack Hendry, Jon McLaughlin, Scott McKenna and Oli McBurnie are all back in the Scotland squad, but there is no place for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.
Heart of Midlothian’s Steven Naismith is in line to spearhead the Scottish attack after scoring against Albania last month – particularly in light of Leigh Griffiths’ late withdrawal from the squad, while AFC Bournemouth, Ryan Fraser, has pulled out of McLeish’s squad through injury.
Red Bull Salzburg striker Moanes Dabour scored twice against Celtic in the Europa League last week and the in-form 26-year-old striker will be a significant threat the Scots.
Goals at a premium
Israel have managed just two goals in their last eight internationals, while Scotland have failed to score in five of their last seven matches.
SportPesa’s 10/19 (1.53) quote, then, for fewer than three goals to be scored could prove popular, while the same firm offer 4/5 (1.80) that either side fails to net.
Prediction
With Israel seemingly in the doldrums, Scotland should be strong enough to pick up three precious points.
However, the goals are not expected to flow and, so, backing McLeish’s men to win a match featuring fewer than three goals at a chunky 15/4 (4.75) could represent good value ahead of Thursday’s tussle.
The selection would have landed in five of the last six matches that the Scots have won.
Scotland to win and under 2.5 goals at 15/4 (4.75) for a 1pt stake with SportPesa 
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