Scotland v Armenia: Hosts to get back on the horse but fans can take neigh more failure

Scotland v Armenia
Wednesday, 19:45
Live on Premier Sports

Blues to bounce back

Just a week after the bitter disappointment of losing to Ukraine in a World Cup playoff, Scotland return to action when hosting Armenia at Hampden in the UEFA Nations League.

The hurt from defeat to Ukraine on an emotionally-charged night in Glasgow will stay with the Tartan Army for some time. Scotland missed out on qualifying for another World Cup, meaning the wait from France 1998 rumbles on.

The pressure is on

Manager Steve Clarke said his suffering squad would get back on the horse - whatever that means. Fans want to see results, and they want to be back cheering the team on the big stage. Their patience ran out years ago. The coaching staff and players now owe them another outing at the Euros.

Scotland have been dropped into a Nations League pool including Ireland, Ukraine and Armenia, making this opening match a great chance to win. Wednesday's opponents look the weakest of the set and a great chance to take all three points, while failure to do that could send supporters over the edge.

Too many players didn't turn up for Scotland last week, and much better is expected of them as they kickstart this Nations League campaign. Clarke will make changes with Stuart Armstrong expected to feature while Ryan Christie pushes for a start. Ross Stewart is another who will feature, but Kieran Tierney - who was missed against Ukraine - remains a spectator.

Visitors' purple patch

Few expect Armenia to come to Glasgow and get a result in their first meeting with Scotland, but this could be the perfect chance to make a winning start. The underdogs know their opponents are wounded animals and the atmosphere inside Hampden will be tense.

The Mountaineers bring a strong run of form that has seen them lose only one of their last 10 outings, with that purple patch consisting of six wins, three draws and a defeat. The spare came last time out when losing 3-1 away to Sweden.

That loss to the Swedes came in June of 2021, meaning the away team could be out of practice, lacking match sharpness and fitness. But that didn't prove a barrier between Ukraine and success in Glasgow seven days ago, so Armenia shouldn't be taken lightly.

Scots are worthy favourites

Scotland were poor against Ukraine, and everyone connected to the teams knows it. But that pain will drive them to a crucial home win and the first step along the road to recovery.

The locals are worthy betting favourites at around 1.384/11 on the Betfair Exchange, while Armenia to stick the boot in is 10.519/2. Fancy a draw at 5.24/1?

Both teams have scored in Armenia's last three games, and Scotland's three matches played already this year. Both teams to score here is 2.526/4, or you can back over 2.5 goals in your multiples at 2.0811/10.