Scotland vs Finland Prediction: Visitors can pose a problem

Scotland will be looking for a more convincing performance than that of their 2-0 win over Gibraltar on Monday when they host Finland at Hampden Park on Friday night (19:45, BBC Scotland/Premier Sports1).

Steve Clarke's side will need to be a lot better on this occasion as their Euro 2024 opener against Germany is only a week away. Read on for my Scotland vs Finland prediction, featuring match odds and team news.

Scotland vs Finland Odds

Scotland are 4/6 to win this contest, which gives them a 60% chance of victory. Finland are valued at 9/2, giving them an implied probability of 18.2%. The draw can be backed at 13/5 (27.8%).

Both teams to score is on offer at 1/1, while over 2.5 goals is priced at 11/10.

Striker Che Adams sealed Scotland's win over Gibraltar late on last time out, and he is marketed at 8/5 to score anytime on Friday.

Team News

Scotland quartet Ross McCrorie, Ryan Porteous, John McGinn and Lawrence Shankland all played the full match against Gibraltar, so Clarke could rest them on Friday in preparation for their Euro 2024 opener against Germany.

This could see Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston, Che Adams and Scott McKenna come into the starting lineup, and we may even see Andrew Robertson make way for Kieran Tierney.

After missing the Gibraltar match, you can imagine both Stuart Armstrong and Scott McTominay being handed minutes at Hampden.

Finland attacker Teemu Pukki is likely to get the nod to start here after coming off the bench to score a brace in the defeat against Portugal last time out.

Scotland or draw and both teams to score @ 7/5

After the Tartan Army were unconvincing against Gibraltar, I am struggling to back them to win here so I have gone for double chance with a draw added insurance, as well as both teams to score.

The positive to take is they won despite not playing well but they will face a much sterner test against Finland, who gave Portugal a run for their money on Monday. Portugal were in control yes, but when Finland can introduce a potent goalscorer in Pukki, who is their all-time leading goalscorer, they always remain in games.

Scotland's defence doesn't fill me with the greatest of confidence because they have managed just one clean sheet in their last eight matches, while both teams have scored in Finland's last two fixtures.

Given that Scotland have qualified for Euro 2024, and gave an excellent performance in the qualifiers to get there, they should have more than enough to beat Finland on paper, who have failed to reach the Euros this summer.

I think Finland can cause problems for Clarke's men, which is why I have included a draw in the double chance, but I have no doubt in my mind about both teams scoring here.

Teemu Pukki anytime goalscorer @ 3/1

Fresh after scoring a quick-fire brace against Portugal on Monday, Pukki is likely to return up top for Finland against Scotland. Given the Tartan Army's weak defence and clean sheet record in recent months, I think he is an excellent selection to find the back of the net in Glasgow.

The Minnesota United forward has scored 42 goals for his country and at 34 years of age, doesn't appear to be stopping just yet. If he can score twice against one of the favourites for this year's Euros in Portugal, I think he can have a profitable evening in front of goal against Scotland.

Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more odds of 1/2+ on England v Iceland or Scotland v Finland on Friday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Saturday's Football matches.

Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!

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