The domestic action takes a break this week with some Friendly Internationals ahead of this weekend’s Euro 2016 qualifiers. The top match on Wednesday night sees Scotland welcome Northern Ireland to Hampden Park while there is also a fascinating clash between Germany and Australia.
A game between Scotland and Northern Ireland is unlikely to be the recipe for a half-hearted kick-about, even if many International friendlies go down that route. Both teams have given their supporters plenty to cheer about in the early qualifying games for Euro 2016 and will be keen to keep the momentum going here.
Scotland face Gibraltar on Sunday while Northern Ireland host Finland so neither team will line up at full-strength. Both managers will be intent on using this match to add the finishing touches to their preparation for Sunday so we can expect plenty of squad rotation.
Scotland are currently in third position in Group D behind Poland and Germany while the Irish have taken nine from a possible twelve points in Group F. Both will be expected to consolidate their positions with victories this weekend. This looks a very tricky one to call and that usually makes the draw the logical choice. Hopefully there could be some goals and 2-2 may be worth a punt at long odds.
The game between Germany and Australia in Kaiserslautern will also be a warm-up for Euro action for the hosts who have made a sticky start to their campaign. They currently trail Poland in the group and have suffered a dip in form since lifting the World Cup in Brazil.
Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos won the Asian Cup in front of their home fans and it will be a great opportunity for them to test their mettle against the world champions. This is Australia’s first match since beating Korea Republic in the Cup final on January 31st but they are without Tim Cahill and Matthew Spiranovic. They showed in that tournament that they have some strength in depth and are likely to test the Germans.
The man to be on in the goal scorer markets is Marco Reus. He missed the World Cup through injury and will be keen to make up for lost time. He has been in fine form for Borussia Dortmund and can set the Germans on their way to a two-goal victory.
Scotland v Northern Ireland DRAW @14-5 Boylesports
Scotland 2 Northern Ireland 2 @28-1 Betfair
Marco Reus to score first @5-1 Paddy Power
Marco Reus to score and Germany win @7-5 Paddy Power
Germany 2 Australia 0 @6-1 Paddy Power
