Scotland host Macedonia at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening in the second of their World Cup qualifying matches, and even at this early stage in the campaign it is a crucial must-win game for Craig Levein’s side.

Scotland start as favourites to win the match at 4/5 (Betfred – see sign-up offer), Macedonia can be backed at 4/1 with Ladbrokes (free £50 bet here), whilst the draw is available at 13/5 with Bet Victor (free £25 bet for new customers).

Craig Levein looks likely to go with with the same, unadventurous 4-1-4-1 formation that delighted the Tartan Army as Scotland played out a glorious 0-0 draw against Serbia at the weekend.  And with £8million goal-machine Jordan Rhodes likely to have to settle for a place on the bench once again, it’s not difficult to forecast the Wednesday morning back-page headlines.  Levein’s relationship with Scotland fans appears to be becoming all the more alien by the day, and while his assertion that it is he, and not the Tartan Army, who picks the Scotland team may be correct, it is hardly the sort of language that will engage supporters to get behind the team.

Like Saturday’s opponents Serbia, when the statistics are considered the advantage would appear to lie with the home side.   Scotland are now unbeaten in their last six home games, whilst Macedonia have failed to win any of their last six on their travels.  The nations have only faced each other twice before, with Scotland winning 2-0 at Hampden in 2009, whilst Macedonia won 1-0 on their own turf back in 2008.  Don’t be surprised if we are in for another low-scoring affair this time around.

The betting strategy has to be based around the likely 4-1-4-1 formation with striker Kenny Miller ploughing a lone furrow up-front.  I would be amazed if Levein adopts a different tactical approach to the game, and that being the case, expect minimal goalmouth action.  With five of Macedonia’s last seven away matches going under 1.5 goals and the likely cautious Scotland approach, under 1.5 goals at 19/10 with Sportingbet looks a decent bet.  I would also not put anyone off backing the 0-0 correct score at 8/1 with Bet Victor.

Scotland vs FYR Macedonia Betting Tips

Under 1.5 goals – 19/10 with Sportingbet (sign up here for a risk free bet)

0-0 correct score – 8/1 with Bet Victor (bet up to £25 here and get a free £25 bet)