New look Scots to struggle against Czechs
Scotland boss Craig Levein has decided to hand a debut to QPR striker Jamie Mackie in their Euro 2012 qualifier against the Czech Republic tonight - but it will take more than an injection of fresh talent to stop the hosts taking all three points.
Levein's decision to leave out Kenny Miller is a huge shock considering the Rangers striker has already bagged ten league goals for the Gers this term.
However, Mackie is no slouch in the goalscoring department either. The QPR striker has scored eight times in the Championship this term, but he will need to be at his best if he is to end Scotland's abysmal away scoring record.
Scotland haven't scored a goal away from home in their last six attempts, and have only managed a total of three on their previous ten away days.
Scotland's poor away record, combined with the Czech's only conceding two in their last five home games, means backing the Czech Republic to keep a clean sheet could be well worth a punt at [2.1].
The Czech Republic may not be the force they were a few years ago, and their opening home defeat against Lithuania will have been a huge blow to their hopes of qualifying, but they should still have enough to see off the Scots.
Their Lithuania loss was their first in seven home games and, with the likes of Premier League stars Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky set to start, the Czechs should have far too much for Scotland. Back a win for the Czech Republic at [1.72].
But with Milan Baros sidelined with a thigh injury, the Czechs look short of options up front, so backing under 2.5 goals could also be worth backing at [1.69].
Are we right? Or do you think Scotland can spring a surprise and win at [6.4]
Published: 8 Oct 2010
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