USA v Scotland Preview & Tips (27th May)

The Americans take on the Scots on May 27, Sunday. Kick off is at 00:00 GMT.

Teams News

USA

USA is currently preparing for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. They do so by facing Scotland, Brazil, and Canada in friendlies that are meant to test their mettle. This means that in the next few weeks a number of changes are to be expected; individual performances may take more attention than winning or losing as it is still too early to picture out how USA will fare come 2014.

Jurgen Klinsman, with his provisional squad composed of 27 players, have been criticised more often than not for his system that has been good for the USA’s defense but not much for the offense. With Altidore and Dempsey set to miss the next three friendly games, expect the criticism to go on unless of course somebody suddenly finds blazing goalscoring form.

Scotland

Scotland finished right smack in the middle of qualifying Group I for Euro 2012. The Scots just couldn’t find a way to sneak into one of the top two spots, with Spain and Czech Republic guarding the gates that lead to Poland and Ukraine. It’s another year of waiting for the Scots – their much awaited European showing is now long overdue.

Like USA, a successful World Cup qualifying run is the priority of the Scots at the moment. With no less than 18 months to go, Scotland won’t be dreading the fact that they do not have their best possible line-up in the making as of the moment. But time is gold and flies so fast that you would rather see the Scots make progress in the next month or so or else they risk losing the home support they need the most. The Scottish FA after all has been facing problems of late and a loss to the Americans this Sunday wouldn’t really do the team’s morale any good.

USA v Scotland Betting Preview

Both teams don’t look as if they are ready for the 2012 WC at all so don’t expect this game to be as brilliant as any other friendly featuring Euro contenders. With key players missing, there isn’t much to look forward to except for the fact that new faces may appear and stamp a mark on the face of football after this game. Eighteen months from now both teams will be looking at this friendly and how it has played a part in their World Cup dreams, so while this match is looking like it’s going be drab, you can be sure to pick up bright points every now and then.

Betting Tip

Verdict: A 1-1 draw is likely..

Tip: USA is at 8/13 to win – the odds are on them this time around, something that would have been very different two or three years ago when the Scots were arguably better. Then again, don’t discount an inspiring Tartan Army win at 9/2 or a draw at 14/5. Wounded sides are much harder to fend off and Scotland may just find an inspiration from the turmoil back home.

Matt Philips is the lone bright spot of the Scots. He is at 11/2 to score anytime. In a game featuring two sides that don’t rattle the back of the net most of the time, Philips is a good deal on the betting end.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).