Scotland v Austria predictions: Clarke's men could frustrate visitors in opener

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the 2022 World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Austria on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Scotland draw no bet
2pts 13-10 Hills

Team news

Scotland
Southampton striker Che Adams is hoping for an international debut. Scott McTominay has played at centre-back recently but could return to midfield. Ryan Jack is out.

Austria
Captain Julian Baumgartlinger (knee) is out but an easing of travel restrictions means players from German Bundesliga clubs are available for the trip to Glasgow.

Match preview

November's dramatic playoff win over Serbia sealed Scotland's place at Euro 2020 and Steve Clarke's men are now targeting the 2022 World Cup.

The Scots, who had not reached a major tournament finals since 1998, have made solid progress under Clarke and are unlikely to be also-rans in qualifying Group F.

Denmark and Austria dominate the group betting with Scotland third-favourites ahead of Israel, the Faroe Islands and Moldova.

But there is a stronger look to the Scottish squad these days, with plenty of Premier League quality in the first 11, and they are worth backing to upset Austria in their opening game.

Backing Scotland draw no bet looks the best strategy as scoring goals remains an issue. Southampton's Che Adams is in line for a first cap, having notched in each of his last three Premier League games, but Scotland's areas of strength are in defence and midfield.

They have conceded only three goals in their last six matches, including penalty-shootout wins over Israel and Serbia in the Euro 2020 playoffs, with Manchester United's Scott McTominay providing another option at centre-back.

Austria coach Franco Foda will have German Bundesliga-based stars such as David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer available after an easing of the travel restrictions but the visitors could be frustrated at Hampden Park.

They had four wins out of six in the Nations League, all by a one-goal margin, but also lost at home to Romania and their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign included away defeats to Israel and Latvia.

Key stat

Scotland have conceded only three goals in their last six internationals.

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