* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Football is all about culture. And maybe even more so, it’s about cultures clashing. While that generally means on the pitch, sometimes it’s funnier when unsuspecting football tourist stumble upon a nation that truly differs from their home comforts.
And there’s nothing quite like the thought of a Scotsman in a kilt floating through the streets of Doha in weather far too intense for his skin; with beer far too contraband for his security and noise levels far too high for the locals.
NEW TO PADDY POWER?
We would merely be depriving ourselves of a complex social experiment if Scotland fail to make it to Qatar. And thankfully, the footballing Gods, who we suspect must be ginger at this point, have blessed them with genuine opportunity.
A win against Moldova – a state that’s effectively just an offshoot of some Romanian territory – is all that stands between them and a playoff. Well, I think so anyway.
That seeding system kind of reminds me of when Carol Vorderman used to throw up the numbers on Countdown and just as you press the button, your whole body begins to panic. If we build hope, we must also build bets. And while I’ll allow everyone else to do the former, I’ll lash in the latter here.
* A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Scotland to Win
And breathe. It’s not due to the fact I totally trust them – as you’ll see in later selections – it’s just that Moldova don’t really have anything to play for, meaning they’re not going to match intensity if it’s actually put to them.
All Scotland really need is a single moment of creative flair and they’re fine. While his entire squad bar their wing backs is industrious rather than swanky, I suspect there’s enough will in this group to score when they need to.
And for the record, no Chisinau is not a tough place to go on a windy Friday evening, I’ve checked the forecast. Scotland to Win kicks us off.
Half-Time: Draw
But let me tell you – it won’t be easy. Primarily because Scotland adopt a caution-first approach to games they need results in. It makes sense in theory – their best two players are defenders who attack – but also because even the likes of John McGinn put in the hard yards moreso than waste possession.
It should be your foundation and it’s clearly brought them success, but it’s methodical rather than showy. I don’t think nerves catch them here either, but it’ll be a Draw at Half Time.
Under 2.5 Goals
Well, it’s quite simple really. Scotland need to win, therefore when they are winning, they won’t feel the need to send wing backs forward and undo their hard work when they’re playing a team who have scored just twice in their six games in this group not against the Faroes. Under 2.5 Goals is the most sensible way to go.
Che Adams to Score Anytime
Landon Dykes will always be my go-to for Scotland goals just because he’s the type of player that perennially overachieves and backing anyone else only to see him notch the goal is infuriating.
But thankfully he’s suspended so we can back the player who’ll have the most touches in the opposition box. Che Adams to Score Anytime is a big win for us logic-based punters.
Moldova v Scotland Bet Builder
Scotland to Win
Half Time: Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Che Adams to Score Anytime
* A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
NOT SURE WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT? CLICK HERE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT WHAT A BET BUILDER IS
FREE BET IF 1 LEG LETS YOU DOWN
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder fails to land, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Free Bet If 1 Leg Lets You Down per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- Paddy Power punter beats 18,000/1 odds to land £9k from ace acca
- Next Norwich manager odds: Who could replace Daniel Farke at Carrow Road?
- Sir Alex Ferguson finally unfriends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Facebook after City loss