Scotland v Portugal Tips: Discipline required from the Tartan Army

There’s another tricky test in store for Scotland tonight, as the Tartan Army welcome Portugal to Glasgow for a friendly.

Alex McLeish’s men will be reeling after a disappointing Nations League defeat to Israel on Thursday.

Can they bounce back with an improved performance against the current European champions at Hampden Park?

Match odds

Scotland’s sole victories in the past 12 months have come against Hungary and Albania. Our traders don’t think that record will improve this evening.

The hosts are 13/4 to beat tonight’s opponents for the first time since 1980.

Portugal, by contrast, are in terrific form. The Euro 2016 winners are on a two-match winning streak and have tasted defeat just twice in their last 19 matches.

Fernando Santos’ men are 10/11 to win, with 15/8 saying they inflict Scotland’s fifth To Nil defeat in eight matches.

You can back the draw at 9/4.

Talking tactics

It seems likely that this match will pan out in a similar manner to Scotland’s defeat to Belgium last month. That could mean long spells without the ball for the hosts.

With that in mind, McLeish’s men need to remain focused and disciplined in order to minimise individual errors.

Do that and they may stand a chance of shackling the trio of Renato Sanches, William Carvalho and ultra-slick Bernardo Silva.

Up the other end, the hosts are likely to go with a lone striker. Physical Swansea City man Oli McBurnie is the prime candidate against Pepe and co.

His movement will need to be spot on against an experienced and savvy defensive line.

Goalscorer odds

The Silva pair are in sterling form and dominate the goalscorer betting for this match. Andre is available at 8/5, with Bernardo 12/5 to net his second goal in as many matches.

Midfielder Sanches has been much-improved with Bayern Munich this season.

He looks set to start after a promising cameo against Poland on Thursday. You can back him at 5/1 Anytime or 14/1 to Score First.

McBurnie looks set to shoulder the burden in front of goal for Scotland. The in-form ace is 14/5 to Net here, a price he shares with Steven Naismith.

Match info

When: 5pm

Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event.

Click here for all our Scotland v Portugal odds.

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