class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having tightened things up at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole is backing Clarke's men to ensure a frustrating 90 minutes for the Orlovi in Belgrade
Scotland will be hoping to secure qualification for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup when they take on Serbia in Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off final.
The Tartan Army edged past Israel on penalties in the semi-final in Glasgow and are unbeaten in eight matches coming into this clash.
Serbia vs Scotland Latest Odds
However, they remain 5/1 (6.00) outsiders with bet365 to qualify for their first European Championship since 1996 by coming out on top in Belgrade.
Ljubia Tumbakovic’s men also needed penalties to see off Norway in their semi-final tie but are 4/6 (1.67) favourites to get the job done within 90 minutes in this one.
Four of the hosts’ last six fixtures have resulted in draws and there are odds of 14/5 (3.80) available on this one heading into extra-time after another stalemate.
Serbia vs Scotland Team News
Milos Veljkovic has been banned from travelling by his club Werder Bremen due to COVID-19 concerns, while Filip Djuricic is out after testing positive.
Ryan Fraser and Grant Hanley have both been forced to withdraw from the squad after both picking up hamstring injuries.
Serbia vs Scotland Preview
After a less than convincing start to life in the dugout, Steve Clarke has started to show the qualities that earned him the national team job in the first place of late.
The former Kilmarnock boss has mainly focused on tightening up a backline that comes into this game on the back of three successive clean sheets – making up for a lack of firepower at the other end of the pitch.
With just two goals to their name in those last three fixtures, the guests are likely to dig deep and hope to keep things tight once again in a hugely significant match.
This tactic could well prove effective against the Orlovi, who have failed to hit the back of the net in either of their last two matches on home soil against Turkey and Hungary.
Serbia vs Scotland Tips and Predictions
Considering Serbia have only conceded once themselves in those last two home games, odds of 20/21 (1.95) look like solid value on no more than one side getting on target and under 2.5 goals being scored for Scotland’s fourth match in a row.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.