Football betting: Euro 2008 qualifiers

A rare double-header of international excitement beckons this Saturday with Scotland and England both hoping for unlikely Euro 2008 qualifying outcomes. Supporters and football bettors south of the border could be the ones breathing a collective sigh of relief come the end of a nerve-jangling night. England's hopes rest on Israel holding out for at least a draw against a Russia side that came from behind to kick Steve McClaren's men in the teeth like a Moscow Mule last month. With Liverpool midfielder Youssi Benayoun also out it seems at first glance as though a weakened Israel side will be rolled over by Guus Hiddink's side in this Euro 2008 qualifier. However, upon closer examination Israel have a very good chance of upsetting their visitors from the north. For starters, Dror Kashtan's side fared better than England in Moscow when drawing 1-1 with Saturday's opponents and, secondly, their record at home in the Euro 2008 qualifying is decent. They have lost just once in Tel Aviv this campaign, and only then narrowly in a 4-3 humdinger against Group leaders Croatia. Benayoun will be sorely missed but Israel, who lost 1-0 to Croatia last time out, welcome back four players to their squad from injury, including key centre-back Deikar Keinan and strikers Roberto Colautti and Amit Ben Shushan - a forward pairing that has scored eight goals between them this campaign. Israel also have a secret weapon. The name: Maor Bar Buzaglo; the age: 19; the number of senior appearances: 0. However, Buzaglo's goal record at youth-team level is very impressive. He scored 21 times in 35 matches for the U19s and nine in 12 for the U17s. Also, the gruelling Russian domestic season only finished at the weekend and the pressure will be on a tired side to break down a reinforced home defence and keep out three capable strikers. Don't be surprised if the Russians get caught cold this time in their Euro 2008 efforts so back Israel for the win at 6/1 with Bet365. At 5pm GMT Scotland are hoping for one last hurrah against Italy. It has been a remarkable Euro 2008 campaign for Alex McLeish's men but those three points against the World Champions will prove elusive. Italy will play for the draw and the hope to pick the Scots off with a winner, much as they did the Ukraine in September, as the hosts teem forward in hope of victory. Back then for the win at 11/10 with Paddy Power. Verdict: 2pts Israel to win @ 6/1 (Bet365, Sportingbet, Coral); 1pt Draw/Israel @ 16/1 (Bet365/Coral), 2pts Italy to win @ 11/10 (Paddy Power); 2pts Half-Time/Full-Time: Draw/Italy @ 4/1 (Paddy Power).