Russia VS Scotland Match Prediction
2019-10-10
18:45:00
Russia
VS
Scotland
Our Prediction Tip
Russia will win this match.
2019-10-1018:45:00 Russia will win this match.
Scotland have not beaten Russia since the break-up of the former Soviet Union. They drew their first two meetings but their defeat last month was the first time they had met for nearly 25 years. John McGinn gave Scotland an early goal, but Russia hit back to win 2-1 through Artem Dzyuba and an own goal.
Russia have won their last five qualifiers in a row, with only Scotland even scoring against them in that time.
That 2-1 Russia win in Scotland was one of three consecutive defeats for the Scots, who have just two wins to their name in total in this group.
It puts them well off the pace for qualification through the group, whereas Russia know a win in this game and favourable results elsewhere will confirm their Euro 2020 place.
Artem Dzyuba netted yet another goal for Russia when they last met, while Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin join him a strong front three.
Scotland, on the other hand, are rebuilding – John Fleck could make his debut, as could striker Lawrence Shackland, but Scott McTominay will be missed.
Even with McTominay, however, Scotland would have been up against it. The seven goals they conceded across two games with Belgium proved that.
They are outsiders for this game, and probably would have been irrespective of Russia’s good form.
With Russia in good form, however, there is no question the hosts should be winning this one – and, given their good defensive record of late, probably winning it to nil too.
Russia are odds-on favourites to make it six wins a row by winning at home to Scotland. They are 8/15 with Bet365.
Russia to win to nil improves those odds to a best price of 5/4 with Bet365, meanwhile – very generous considering their recent defensive form.
Likewise, you can bet against both teams to score at 6/10 with Betfair and 888sport.
Artem Dzyuba scored when these teams last met and he is a best price of 5/4 with Betfair and Paddy Power to score at any time again in this fixture.
Russia have been in resurgent form, taking them to the brink of qualification, and it is hard to imagine Scotland will stop them having been far below par in recent months.
Striker Fyodor Smolov has withdrawn from the squad through injury, while Anton Miranchuk was already absent. Roman Zobnin has also dropped out. Aleksei Ionov or recalled Daler Kuzyaev could come into the midfield.
Artem Dzyuba – Scored his 21st international goal when these teams last met – an excellent record from 38 games for Russia.
Denis Cheryshev – The hosts’ unexpected World Cup star is back from injury and back playing a key role creatively for Russia.
Guilherme – The Lokomotiv Moscow goalkeeper had big shoes to fill when Igor Akinfeev stepped down but Russia’s recent defensive record has been excellent.
Russia have won their last five qualifiers, conceding just one goal – albeit that goal was scored by Scotland when they met last month. Artem Dzyuba and an own goal helped the Russians come from behind to win that game 2-1. Last time out, meanwhile, Mario Fernandes scored an 89th-minute winner as Russia beat Kazakhstan 1-0.
Lawrence Shankland’s maiden call-up, after excellent form in the Scottish Championship, was the big selection story for Steve Clarke. John Fleck is also back in the squad, alongside Oliver Burke, but Matt Phillips and Steven Naismith are injured. Kieran Tierney also misses out, having only just returned to action for Arsenal. Stuart Armstrong initially missed out, but has been added to the squad in place of injured Oli McBurnie. Scott McTominay will miss this game after picking up three yellow cards.
Ryan Fraser – Forged an excellent combination with Callum Wilson at club level and will be key for Scotland if he can make things tick internationally too.
John Fleck – Set for his Scotland debut after a strong start to the season with Sheffield United in the Premier League.
John McGinn – Scored when these teams last met – his first international goal – while he has also been on target for Aston Villa this season too.
Scotland have lost their last three matches in a row – two heavy defeats to Belgium sandwiched by their 2-1 loss against Russia. They lost 3-0 in Belgium and then lost to Russia despite John McGinn handing them an early lead. Their most recent match was a 4-0 home defeat to Belgium, meanwhile.
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