There often aren't many surprises in terms of World Cup qualifying in Europe, and this year isn't much of an exception. England has already comfortably set the tone atop Group F, and most believe there's no way that they don't qualify. Three more points theoretically should be on the horizon against old rival, Scotland on Friday night at Wembley.
At 2:45 p.m. ET, tune into FOX Sports 1 for live television coverage of this World Cup Qualifier match on Friday, November 11, 2016, at Wembley Stadium.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
England -270
Scotland +900
Draw +370
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
The Brits are really expected to keep a clean sheet here. They are -270 moneyline favorites and are laying a goal and a half on the Asian Handicap. Thanks to a total of 2.5 with -117 vig on the under, the de facto implied score here is England 2, Scotland 0.5, and it would be a disappointment to the fans in the grounds at Wembley if the Scots did actually put one behind Joe Hart.
Roster Analysis
England has just a glut of attacking options at this point. With Wayne Rooney effectively at the end of his playing career internationally, that has left the door open for more of an attacking front played by the midfielders, and that's why we've already seen Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli put the ball in the back of the net in qualifying.
Most recently against Slovenia in a drab 0-0 draw, a rather unusual lineup was used that included Jesse Lingard, Eric Dier and John Stones, men we aren't used to seeing play at this level all the time, especially not in matches of this type of magnitude.
Scotland coach Gordon Strachan really believes this team can reach the World Cup this year in spite of the fact that it hasn't done so since 1998. And why not? He's got a team with some strong lower-level Premier League and upper level Championship players on it, including Steven Naismith, Steven Fletcher, James Morrison, Darren Fletcher, James McArthuer, Matt Ritchie, Robert Snodgrass, Russell Martin and Grant Hanley. That's a good core for sure, and it's one that could carry a lot of rosters in the Premiership.
But bringing it all together has been troublesome at the top flight. Though these players are good, in this match in particular, they're going against a group that might as well be a de facto Premier League All-Star team, and that just doesn't setup for a favorable matchup.
Recent Form
Qualifying results have been mixed by the standards of both of these teams. England has itself seven points through three matches, but it hasn't conceded a goal yet. The wins have come against Slovakia on the road and Malta at home, and it's hard to say that most couldn't see those results coming. A draw at Slovenia isn't the end of the world, knowing that this team is a good candidate to finish second in Group F.
That's a spot that Scotland feels like it has a shot at though, and it'll have to get results in matches like this one eventually to accomplish that goal. The Tartan Army has already aided this team to a 5-1 win at Malta and a 1-1 draw at Lithuania, but a 3-0 loss on the road against Slovakia is a sign of sure trouble.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Don't count out the possibilities of this being a match for the full 90. England has really struggled offensively, and new caretaker Gareth Southgate isn't in full control of this team until a full-time replacement is named. That could cause for some problems trying to get some unity.
Scotland has a disciplined team, and it can force the hands of the Three Lions. It only takes one moment of brilliance for this match to be turned on its head. We'll still take England to get the three points, but this is a generous goal and a half on the Asian Handicap.
World Cup Qualifier Odds: England 1, Scotland 0
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