See all offers

GET OUR TOP TIPS

FOLLOW BETTINGPRO

Betting News

Scotland v Macedonia betting tips - Levein's last stand?

Visit Bet365 Save For Later
Jordan Rhodes (R) of Scotland vies with Rhys Williams (L) of Australia during the International friendly football match between Scotland and Australia at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland on August 15, 2012. (credit: GRAHAM STUART/AFP/GettyImages)
Related Articles
Craig Levein's reign as Scotland manager has been marked by negativity and the Tartan Army will demand a more attacking line-up against Macedonia on Tuesday night.

Scotland fans have had to put up with a lot under the management of Craig Levein. The former Hearts and Dundee United boss implemented an 'unique' 4-6-0 formation against Czech Republic during Euro 2012 qualifying that ultimately cost the Scots a playoff place and there was the shambles of needing a 97th minute winner against Liechtenstein at Hampden.

Levein has also found himself at loggerheads with some key players in his time and, unsurprisingly for the former defender, it has been strikers that have taken issue with the manager. Kris Boyd was the first to distance himself from the national team and then Steven Fletcher declared that he would never play international football while Levein remained at the helm, due to his perceived negativity. 

None of this would have been a problem if Scotland had beaten Serbia on Saturday but a 0-0 draw, marked by another defensive minded performance at home, does result in the Tartan Army starting to question their manager. Fletcher recently moved from Wolves to Sunderland for £14 million and scored a brace on his Black Cats debut. Can Scotland afford to have a talent like that in exile? 

Similarly, Jordan Rhodes, a player who signed for Blackburn Rovers this summer for £8 million and who has avergaed a goal a game in his last 50 appearances, is not necessarily a player who should be left on the bench for a home match that Scotland need to win. Kenny Miller, who looked slow and unfit, was given the nod in attack and kept on the pitch for the best part of 85-minutes on Saturday, giving Rhodes, who had scored on his full debut in the recent friendly against Australia, less than 10-minutes to try to score a winning goal.

It is imperative now that Levein bites the bullet and hands Rhodes an opportunity from the start against Macedonia on Tuesday night, in a game that is now a 'must win' for Scotland. The 22-year-old is 9/2 at bet365 to open the scoring and if given the correct service he will score goals. His likely partner, Steven Naismith (7/1, Sky Bet) missed his one big opportunity on Saturday while Miller simply no longer deserves to be playing in the first team, after effectively retiring from top level football when moving to Vancouver Whitecaps in the summer.

The Scotland midfield of Gary Caldwell, who did well in a 'blocker' role against Serbia, Charlie Adam, Robert Snodgrass and James Morrison should be good enough to dictate play against Macedonia, who were beaten 1-0 by Croatia on Friday without ever looking like troubling their opponents. They rely almost exclusively on Napoli striker Goran Pandev and if he can be contained, as he was by Croatia, then there is no plan B, and Scotland, at 4/5 with bet365, should take maximum points.

However, if Levein insists on employing negative tactics and allows the visitors to take possession of the ball and feed Pandev, who is 9/1 at bet365 to score first at Hampden, then things could go wrong very quickly for the manager. If the crowd get on his back then it could end up being another draw (5/2, bet365) or even a win for Macedonia (4/1, Bet Victor) that could well spell the end of Levein's time in charge of the Tartan Army.

Recommendation

Win Market - Scotland (4/5, bet365)
First Goalscorer* - Jordan Rhodes (9/2, bet365)

*As with all First Goalscorer bets, always wait for team news before placing.


Visit Bet365 Read our Bet365 review Get your £200 free bet at bet365 now
Like Like

Deposit £10, Get £30, Bet with £40 £30 In Bonuses

Deposit £10, Get £20, Bet with £30 £20 In Bonuses

Deposit £200, Get £200, Bet with £400 Recommended £200 In Free Bets

Deposit £25, Get £25, Bet with £50 £25 In Bonuses

No deposit, Bet with £10, get free NowTV £10 n.d. In Bonuses
All Football News

Recent Internationals Articles

  • Brazil and Spain favourites for 2013 Confederations Cup

    Brazil and Spain are the clear favourites to win the 2013 Confederations Cup, which runs from June 15-30 in six of the cities that will host next year’s World Cup. The Confederations Cup is like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup but on a much smaller scale, with only eight countries involved and ...

  • Andy Carroll and Alex McCarthy named in England squad

    Andy Carroll and Alex McCarthy have been named in the England squad for the end-of-season friendly internationals against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. West Ham’s on-loan striker Carroll has not been involved with England since the World Cup qualifier in Poland last October when an unused sub...

  • Brazil v Russia betting tips - Struggling Brazil set for Stamford Bridge defeat

    Russia are in terrific form under coach Fabio Capello and are worth backing to beat a Brazil side with whom Luiz Felipe Scolari has not exactly made a great start to his second stint in charge. Capello, it's fair to say, is enjoying his time as coach of Russia rather more than he did when England m...

  • San Marino v England traders tips - Back a penalty tonight

    England are guaranteed to beat San Marino this evening with a 5-0 win for Roy Hodgson's men the most popular result and it could pay to bet on one of those goals being a penalty. Michael Owen announced his retirement this week and I'd like to start this column by offering him my best wishes. An abs...

  • World Cup 2014 qualifier betting tips - Four tips from Friday's fixtures

    The five home nations are all in action on Friday with Scotland fancied to beat Wales in the battle of Britain but neither Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland are expected to claim victories. Sweden v Republic of Ireland (Friday, 19:45)Ireland have only lost two of their last 21 away internati...

  • World Cup qualifiers betting tips - The 10/1 Bettingpro.com accumulator

    We pick out a 10/1 fivefold accumulator from Friday's World Cup 2014 qualifying fixtures taking place around Europe. The international break is a divisive week for punters. Some complain rigorously because it means that they can't place their usual weekend accumulator bets while others embrace it a...

  • Brazil v Italy betting tips - Beatable Brazilians to suffer another setback

    Brazil were beaten by England in their last friendly and will want to put things right against Italy in Switzerland but Luiz Felipe Scolari's men may not be good enough to beat an improving Azzurri. Brazil's defeat to England was as disappointing as it was unexpected for the Samba Boys, who have ...

  • England big favourites to reach World Cup after Brazil scalp

    England sent a statement to their World Cup qualifying group rivals on a positive night for all of the home nations. England's supposed Wembley curse may be vanquished after they enjoyed a sixth win in eight at their national stadium by overcoming Brazil 2-1. The five-time world champions join Euro...

  • England v Brazil tips – Three Lions can hold Samba stars to draw

    England can bounce back from the hammering in Sweden when they host Brazil tonight, according to former Three Lions defender Lee Dixon. Roy Hodgson’s men end 2012 with a disappointing 4-2 defeat against the Swedes, and they will be eager to make a positive start to 2013. Dixon believes they will do...

More Stories

Recent Articles

  • 2013 BMW PGA Championship money back at BetVictor Mobile

    The flagship event of the European Tour, the 2013 BMW PGA Championship, takes place this week – and bookmaker BetVictor will give money back if there is a play-off! Wentworth in the leafy Surrey stockbroker belt is the venue for this famous tournament which has an illustrious history dating back to...

  • England v New Zealand money back at Ladbrokes if Root or Bairstow top scores

    England face New Zealand in the second and final match of their Test series starting on Friday – and bookmaker Ladbrokes will give money back if Joe Root OR Jonny Bairstow top scores! Match odds  4/7 England  2/1 Draw  8/1 New Zealand This is essentially the warm-up series before Eng...

  • UEFA Champions League Final promotions

    Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich clash in the Champions League Final on Saturday, and the bookmakers are lining up with special promotions for this huge Wembley encounter. Bayern Munich have exorcised their domestic demons by ending Dortmund’s reign over German football this season, and now they...

  • Big gamble on Lewis Hamilton to win Monaco Grand Prix

    William Hill punters have been throwing their weight behind Lewis Hamilton to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Ahead of this weekend's race, Hamilton has been the best backed driver and, even at this early stage of proceedings, could cost William Hill a five figure sum should he win. The Mercedes driver ...

  • Manchester City FC favourites to land Radamel Falcao – but who will leave?

    Manchester City are favourites to land Atletico Madrid and Colombia star Radamel Falcao this summer, according to William Hill. Atletico have announced that Falcao looks almost certain to move away from the Vicente Calderon, and William Hill offer 11/10 that his next club is Manchester City. Monac...

  • Will Rafael Benitez take over at Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli...or Stoke City?

    Rafael Benitez now finds himself as favourite in the next manager market for clubs in three different countries - Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Stoke City. The Spaniard will complete his tenure at Chelsea FC, which yielded third place in the Premier League and Europa League success, after this we...

  • Bookies expect Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney to stay put

    Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney will be going nowhere before the summer transfer window slams shut, according to bookmaker William Hill Speculation over Gareth Bale’s future at Tottenham has intensified since the White Hart Lane outfit missed out on a top-four finish this season, but William Hill expe...

  • Stuart McCall set to be named Sheffield United manager

    Stuart McCall is set to become the new manager of Sheffield United, who have made an approach to Motherwell for permission to hold talks with the 48-year-old. The Fir Park boss was linked with the job following the departure of Danny Wilson and the League One club have now formally made their inter...

  • Norwich City FC season-in-review

    Norwich City rode a rollercoaster ride to the Premier League this season, so what can they expect in 2013/14. A season of ups and downs for the Canaries ending up in a highly creditable 11th spot, and Betfair’s Dan Thomas has taken a look back on their first season under Chris Hughton. Season Summ...

More Stories

Tags

Share this with your friends

To:
From:
Your comments:

Scotland v Macedonia betting tips - Levein's last stand?

Craig Levein's reign as Scotland manager has been marked by negativity and the Tartan Army will demand a more attacking line-up against Macedonia on Tuesday night.

Read more »

Claim your free bet

Bookmakers
Casinos
Poker Rooms
Bingo Rooms
Games

£10 no deposit bet

Click here to get £10 no deposit from Bet Victor Games

£88 free no deposit

Play at 888 today!

Betfred £5 no deposit

Get your hands on an exclusive Betfred £5 no deposit free bet via this link.

$10 free no deposit required

FullTilt is back and we've twisted their arms to give you $10 free no deposit required!

SuperCasino No Deposit Reqd

£10 no deposit use code SUPER10 here

Arbitrage Betting

Here's a bookie that loves arbs.

50 Free Spins at Ladbrokes

Use code MAXIMUMBONUS when you register at LadbrokesCasino. Get 50 Free Spins!

Watch Live Streaming Tennis

Watch live tennis for free when you sign-up to Bet365 > live streaming tennis

Watch LIVE Now!

Full Calendar

Future Football

Streams About To Start!

Full Calendar

Popular Pages

Top Bonuses


© Bettingpro.com. All rights reserved.  |  RSS

Join the Bettingpro Community Today

Log In or Sign up

Facebook User?

You can use your facebook account to sign up with Live streaming sport.

Connect with facebook
Remember me.
Did you forget your password?

You Might Also Like