Scotland vs France Betting Tips

Since Walter Smith stepped into the breach to replace Berti Vogts as Scotland's coach, the Tartan Army have seemingly rediscovered their cohesion and flair for the beautiful game - they have returned to the days in which Scotland's national team was synonymous with exciting, attacking football, something which had been missing for the best part of two decades. Within Scotland's footballing midsts there are now a number of bright young things rising through the ranks. Indeed, the current national team is one largely built on youth, but also encompasses some battle-hardened warriors such as Christian Dailly, David Weir and Steven Pressley. In essence, there's a good balance to the squad now and they are stealthily moving in the right direction. France's star striker Thierry Henry recently went on record as saying that Scotland shouldn't be underestimated in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group B - known as the 'group of death' - and the Arsenal man will be spearheading the Les Bleus assault when the two teams clash at Hampden Park on Saturday afternoon, for which the World Cup runners-up are a best priced 67/100 in the match result market. The French - penultimate winners of the European Championships - cruised to victory in their opening match when beating a surprisingly impressive Georgia side 3-0, before exacting revenge on their World Cup conquerors, Italy, beating the Azzurri 3-1 at the Stade de France last month. For their part, Scotland followed up a 6-0 thrashing of the Faroe Islands with a determined performance to come from a goal down to beat Lithuania 2-1 at Kaunas last month. Both sides are, therefore, coming into this match with confidence intact and wind beneath their sails. As such, it seems safe to expect a game rich in goal-mouth action and, I reckon, a good few goals to boot. Scotland and France come into this match in good positions within their group, but will be aware that one slip up could lead to the current calm waters they are sailing through becoming somewhat choppy. It goes without saying that Thierry Henry and Louis Saha will be key men for Raymond Domenech's side, while the up and coming midfielders Frank Ribery and Florent Malouda are both likely to have an impact on this match. For Scotland, strikers James McFadden, Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd are all likely to get an airing in this fixture and that trio will no doubt give France's likely central defensive pairing of Willy Sagnol and William Gallas plenty to think about. It goes without saying that France are the class side and are much the most likely winner of this match, as the match result betting suggests. However, with the home crowd behind them, I envisage Scotland making a good fist of it, and I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if they get something from this game. My advice is to opt for a wager on 3 goals + in the total goals betting at 11/10 with Stan James. In the games Scotland and France have played thus far during their respective qualification campaigns, they have amassed a total of 16 goals in four games overall, which equates to an average of 4 per game. With this in mind, I'm also inclined to take a flyer and have a nibble at Paddy Power's huge offer of 20/1 about a 2-2 draw in the correct score market - it's a flyer, but fortune favours the brave! There is always a chance that a game like this could become too tactical, but I am anticipating a gung-ho approach from Scotland - after all, their strength is in going forward, and they boast the firepower to penetrate the sternest of defences. Scotland's likely approach will afford Les Bleus the opportunity to utilise the ample pace within their ranks by hitting their rivals on the counter. It could get bloody. Verdict - 2.50pts on 3+ in the total goals market @ 11/10 (Stan James) & 0.50pts on 2-2 in the correct score market @ 20/1 (Paddy Power)