Scotland can take a huge step towards the World Cup next summer with a victory over Greece at Hampden Park on Thursday.
With just four teams in Group C meaning there is only six qualification games, so three points for Steve Clarke's side would put them four clear of the Greeks at the halfway point.
While the Scots secured a precious draw away to Denmark, Greece lost 3-0 at home to the same side last time out, making this clash even more important to their hopes of participating in a fourth World Cup.
Can Scotland move closer to their first since 1998? The Sporting News brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds ahead of this clash.
Scotland vs. Greece: Who Will Win?
Scotland look like they mean business as they look to end their long wait for another World Cup appearance. They haven't conceded a goal in their two qualifiers yet (both away from home) and we think they'll get over the line here at Hampden Park, despite what happened on Greece's last trip to Scotland. The visitors have been defensively susceptible in their two qualifiers so far, conceding four times including three at home to Denmark.
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Head-to-Head: Scotland vs. Greece
- Surprisingly, the two countries have met on just four occasions in their history with two wins apiece.
- They split wins in qualification for EURO '96 with 1-0 win for the hosts in Athens and Glasgow.
- Greece won 3-0 at Hampden Park after a 1-0 first leg loss in a Nations League relegation playoff in March of this year.
Scotland vs. Greece: Form Guide
Scotland – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Belarus 0-2 Scotland (World Cup qualifier)
- Denmark 0-0 Scotland (World Cup qualifier)
- Liechtenstein 0-4 Scotland (friendly)
- Scotland 1-3 Iceland (friendly)
- Scotland 0-3 Greece (Nations League)
Greece – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Greece 0-3 Denmark (World Cup qualifier)
- Greece 5-1 Belarus (World Cup qualifier)
- Greece 4-0 Bulgaria (friendly)
- Greece 4-1 Slovakia (friendly)
- Scotland 0-3 Greece (Nations League)
Scotland vs. Greece Score Prediction
The Greeks stormed Hampden just seven months ago, winning 3-0, but Scotland appear to be in a different place now. They know that a win will inch them closer to at least a playoff berth and that's exactly what we think they will do.
Prediction: Scotland 2-0 Greece (11/1 with Sky Bet)
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Scotland vs. Greece Team News
Scotland Team News
- Aaron Hickey made his return to the national team last month and should slot in at right-back for this clash.
- Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston are also back after injury and provide further depth to a settled squad.
- Vice-captain John McGinn is set to win his 80th cap, moving him level with Darren Fletcher in fifth in the all-time list.
Greece Team News
- Despite a 3-0 loss to Denmark in September, the Greeks are likely to be unchanged here.
- There is several players with Premier League experience in the side, notably loaned out Liverpool man Kostas Tsimikas and West Ham's Konstantinos Mavropanos.
- Star forward Christos Tzolis will be looking to add to his seven international goals against the Scots.
Scotland vs. Greece Predicted Lineups
This is how we think these two sides will lineup on Thursday with Aaron Hickey coming into the Scottish defence the main talking point.
Scotland predicted lineup to play Greece
(4-2-3-1) Gunn (GK) — Hickey, Souattar, Hanley, Robertson — Gilmour, Ferguson - McGinn, McTominay, Doak — Adams
Greece predicted lineup to play Scotland
(4-2-3-1) Tzolakis (GK) — Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas — Kourbelis, Zafeiris — Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis — Pavlidis
Scotland vs. Greece Betting Odds
- Scotland to Win: 9/5 Bet365
- Greece to Win: 17/10 Paddy Power
- Draw: 11/5 Ladbrokes
Bet Builder Tips: Scotland vs. Greece
Our bet builder for this one is Scotland to win with a -1 handicap and to nil and for Scott McTominay to set them on the way with the first goal. This comes to overall best odds of 252.31/1 with Sky Bet. You can build your own bet builder and compare the best bookmaker prices using the tool below.
How to watch Scotland vs. Greece: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Scotland vs. Greece on Thursday night.
- Date: Thursday, October 9
- Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
- Time: 7:45 p.m.
- TV/Stream: BBC/ BBC iPlayer