Cyprus v Scotland: Euro 2020 qualifying betting preview, free tip & TV details

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Cyprus v Scotland in Euro 2020 qualifying.

When to watch

Sky Sports Football, 2pm Saturday

Best bet

James Forrest first goalscorer
1pt each-way 10-1 bet365

Back this tip with bet365

Preview

Steve Clarke's reign as Scotland head coach got off to a difficult start against Cyprus and the rematch in Nicosia doesn't promise to be any easier.

In June it took a late Ollie Burke effort to earn Clarke a 2-1 win in his first game in charge against a Cypriot outfit who probably deserved something out of the game.

Since then, Cyprus have played five, beating San Marino, taking four points off Kazakhstan and losing twice to Group I heavyweights Russia.

Over the same period Scotland have lost all four of their showdowns with Belgium and Russia – scoring just once – before thrashing San Marino 6-0.

Both nations are miles off the pace in the group with Cyprus a point clear of the Scots. Scotland do, however, at least have a back-door route via the playoffs open to them whereas Cyprus' Euro 2020 dream is well and truly over.

The Scots are nowhere near full strength with some big names missing, among them skipper Andrew Robertson, and given that there was virtually nothing between the nations in Glasgow in the summer, expect something equally tight in Nicosia.

Ran Ben Shimon's men will have plenty of the ball – they did at Hampden – but lack much in the way of a cutting edge. They've also won only four of their last 21 internationals.

There's little tangible to play for but pride should motivate everyone involved and James Forrest could enjoy the Mediterranean trip.

The Celtic wide man is in good form with four goals in his last six appearances, bagged five for his country last season and will come off the wing to offer support to the chosen number nine, presumably Oli McBurnie. Back Forrest, who is a decent price to strike first, to break the deadlock.

Team news

Cyprus Skipper Konstantinos Laifis is suspended.

Scotland Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, Ryan Fraser and Liam Cooper have been ruled out. Kieran Tierney, Charlie Mulgrew and Stuart Findlay were already unavailable.

Key stat

Scotland have failed to score in three of their four away qualifiers.

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