Commonwealth Games: How will hosts Scotland fare?

As Glasgow puts the final touches to its preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Scotland is wondering just how successful its current crop of athletes can be at this year’s home event.

Head of Team Scotland Jon Doig has already targeted 33-plus medals in total, a haul that would equal their share of the spoils in Edinburgh in 1986, the last time they hosted these Games.

The ambitious New Zealander has also stated he hopes his team will surpass their record gold medal tally of 11, achieved in Melbourne eight years ago.

But with Ladbrokes going 5/6 either way on the Scots winning over or under 11.5 gold medals, where does the smart money lie?

Here are  just a few of Scotland’s best chances of grabbing gold in Glasgow with over 202 athletes bidding to do their best for the hosts.

Michael Jamieson – 200m breaststroke

Regarded as his nation’s top medal hope, Michael Jamieson will attempt to win gold on the first day of competition in his home city.

The 2012 Olympics silver-medalist recently beat rival Adam Peaty in his last race before the games at the British International Meet.

And if he can continue that form he’ll remain tough to beat with a fanatical crowd cheering him on.

Hannah Miley – 400m Individual Medley

Ever-popular Hannah Miley will compete in four events in the pool but it’s the defence of her 400m Individual Medley crown that will mean the most to the 24-year-old swimming star.

England’s Aimee Wilmott is likely to be a big rival but Miley’s performance in Dehli four years ago can give her the confidence to triumph against the Auld Enemy.

Katie Archibald – Cycling

There will be a lot of pressure on world team pursuit champion Katie Archibald as she leads Scotland’s 30-strong cycling squad.

But that could quickly be eased once she takes part in the individual pursuit on the first Friday before heading off to compete in the scratch and point races before finally taking in the road events.

If she can deliver, that would add five gold medals alone to the Scottish total. 

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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