The 3 Scotland aces who could spell trouble for England at Hampden
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The pressure is on the home side at Hampden Park, as Scotland look to keep their World Cup 2018 dream alive against an England side who boast a four-point lead at the top of Qualifying Group F.
It’s Gareth Southgate’s men who are 4/6 favourites for victory at Hampden Park, with the Scots 17/4 shots and the draw priced up at 13/5.
But while our traders fancy the Three Lions to take the points, Gordon Strachan’s squad undoubtedly has players who can hurt – and nullify – the opposition. Here are the three key men England need to keep an eye on this weekend.
Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
The Celtic full-back is arguably Scotland’s brightest prospect in years, with the 20-year-old already looking a complete full-back.
Lightning fast, clean in the tackle and composed, his relentless creativity has also made him a fan favourite at Parkhead, with the youngster chalking up 12 assists and netting three goals last term.
He’s looked every bit as good on the international stage so far, producing a magnificent individual performance in the 1-0 victory over Slovenia last time out, keeping Fiorentina star Josip Ilicic quiet for 90 minutes.
Whoever faces him on England’s flanks this Saturday has an unenviable task in dealing with the Bhoys prodigy.
Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United)
Admittedly, the 29-year-old hasn’t had the best few months since joining West Ham United in January, but there’s no doubting the quality of a player who managed seven Premier League goals and three assists for struggling Hull City in the first half of the campaign.
Add to that some very strong displays for Scotland in the past year – including a hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Malta at Ta’ Qali Stadium – and a dynamic display in the hard-fought 1-1 draw at Lithuania.
Also a free-kick specialist, he’ll offer a threat from set-plays in a game where chances could well be at a premium against a typically solid England side.
Leigh Griffiths (Celtic)
64 goals in 95 league games for Celtic is quite the record, and the clinical striker finished the last campaign on a real high, netting in four of his last six games. And while he didn’t find the net against England at Wembley during the previous meeting, his lively play left the Three Lions defence exposed on several occasions.
But don’t just take our word for it. Griffiths’ former Hoops team-mate and England stopper Fraser Forster warned his teammates in the media this week, stating: “Leigh is a fantastic player… It just takes half a chance or a split-second and he can punish you. He is definitely one player we need to really concentrate on.”
There’s a strong case for the visitors to man-mark the 26-year-old in Glasgow on Saturday. Fail to keep a proper eye on him, and there’s every chance they’ll be punished.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of published
