Scotland vs Cyprus – Betting Preview
On Saturday in the afternoon, Scotland and Cyprus will face off in a qualifier for Euro 2024, and both teams know how crucial it is to get off to a good start.
The other teams in Group A are Spain, Norway, and Georgia, thus the two teams have a lot riding on their performance at Hampden Park.
Scotland Preview
Steve Clarke has struggled mightily to maintain faith in this Scotland team after they were eliminated from the World Cup playoffs, especially after a swiftly following 3-0 loss in the Republic of Ireland.
But, the Tartan Army recovered admirably, winning three straight matches before securing a crucial goalless draw against Ukraine on neutral ground to win their UEFA Nations League group.
Because of the extremely difficult group they were given, Scotland was assured a position in the playoffs regardless of how well they performed in Group A. This has demonstrated how significant the tie against Ukraine may turn out to be in the future.
But, Clarke wants Scotland to put their attention right now on trying to defy the odds throughout qualifying, so it’s critical that they start off strong against Cyprus.
That would make up for Scotland’s 2-1 friendly loss to Turkey at the end of 2022, which would be made up for because Spain’s matchup with Scotland is the following week.
Cyprus Preview
Cyprus is aware that it will be difficult to avoid placing last in this group given Georgia’s recent strong progress, and they are conscious that they must overcome this challenge.
Temur Ketsbaia, who was hired at the end of June, is still leading this team into a new era, and his first few games have yielded two noteworthy outcomes.
A 3-2 victory over Israel in a friendly on the road at the close of the year followed a 1-0 victory over Greece in the Nations League, and there will be optimism that they can challenge Scotland all the way this weekend.
In all fixtures during 2023, Cyprus lost on just four occasions, while they only went down by 2-1 scorelines versus Scotland when they met in the qualifiers for Euro 2020.
1×2 Betting Odds
Let’s begin analysing the 1×2 market
Since this is the first meeting between the two teams in a few months, neither team is likely to play at its peak. Yet, Scotland continues to possess the higher quality, thus it would be surprising if the Tartan Army failed to secure the essential three points!
Scotland to win this one stands @ 1.29. They are the favourites.
Cyprus are not given much of a chance here with market odds standing @ 14.50.
The possibility of a stalemate stands @ 6.15.
Total goals over/under
Let’s check the over/under scenario
The odds that the total number of goals scored will be over 2.5, stands @ 1.82.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 2.11.
Scotland have a 100% record against Cyprus, winning each of the pair’s 7 encounters over the years and all of those matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Five of Scotland’s and four of Cyprus’ last six international matches have witnessed at least three goals being scored
