Ireland v Scotland Nations League Betting Tips 11/06/2022

Ireland v Scotland

Republic of Ireland and Scotland face off in their Nations League clash on Saturday. The two sides have started their respective campaigns in contrasting form. The Republic of Ireland has struggled recently, while Scotland raced to the top of Group B1 with a first match victory. For Ireland, this is a must-win match to avoid finishing bottom of the group. While, for Scotland, it is a chance to progress to the next stage. This fixture kicks off at 5:00 p.m and it will be shown live on Premier Sports 1.

Team News/Form

The Republic of Ireland has made a poor start to their Nations League campaign. The Boys in Green first struggled to make inroads against a stubborn Armenia side, before falling to a 1-0 away loss. In the following match, they couldn’t break through Ukraine and lost 1-0 again at home, leaving them rock bottom of Group B1. Scotland bounced back from losing their recent World Cup qualifier against Ukraine (3-1). They replied with a convincing 2-0 home win over Armenia to kick start their Nations league effort, a result that took them top of the table.

Looking at the team news, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is ruled out and he withdrew from the squad this week. For Scotland, defender Kieran Tierney missed out due to injury. Midfielders Kenny McLean, Ryan Fraser and Ryan Jack were also omitted from the squad after recent injuries. 

Matchwinner Odds

For the matchwinner odds in the Republic of Ireland vs Scotland match, there are some interesting picks. Firstly, Ireland are the current favourites to notch a win at the Aviva Stadium. Stephen Kenny’s side were unbeaten in six before the Ukraine defeat, so there is some good value in picking SBK’s 16/9 odds for a home victory. However, the Boys in Green drew four of those six matches and they have won just two in their last 12 at home. As a result, there could be better value in selecting a draw, with Bet365 offering 21/10 for a stalemate. However, our matchwinner pick for this fixture is a Scotland win. The Tartan Army were dominant against Armenia and they have won three of their last four on the road. At 79/40, again provided by SBK, bettors can get some good returns on an away win. 

Total Goals

Low scoring encounters have been a common theme for the Republic of Ireland and Scotland recently. Due to this, selecting a low scoring result could bring greater value for bets this weekend. Firstly, Ireland has seen under 1.5 goals in their last three matches, with all three ending in 1-0 results either for or against Kenny’s side. Scotland has also seen low scorers away recently. Steve Clarke’s side has seen under 2.5 goals in four of their last five away. They have also seen 1-0 scorelines for or against in their last two away in the Nations League. There is some value on backing under 2.5 this weekend and SBK has the best odds at 8/15. However, our pick is to go lower and choose Betfair’s 13/8 odds for under 1.5 goals. 

Anytime Goalscorer

Goals may be at a premium in the Republic of Ireland vs Scotland match, but there are still some clear picks in the anytime goalscorer market. For Ireland, Callum Robinson has been one of the main goal threats, scoring six goals in his last eight internationals. The West Brom forward has also been a preferred choice for Kenny in recent matches and, at 11/4, provided by Sky Bet, there is decent value on a Robinson goal. With a Scotland win expected, our pick is Ross Stewart. The Sunderland striker was in top form last season, netting 26 goals in all competitions, which earned him a recent call up to the Scotland squad. Due to this, we are backing Stewart to find his scoring form on the international stage and Bet 365 will return the best odds at 3/1 for an anytime goal. 

The Republic of Ireland will be fully aware that a loss could see them exit the Nations League in a disappointing fashion. In comparison, Scotland will sense a chance to head Group B1 with a win. There is a lot of pride on the line for both sides in what should be an enthralling contest. With our betting previews, we always try to provide accurate and helpful tips by comparing the best odds available. But, please remember that they are never certain winners. Always ensure you are gambling responsibly. For more detail on bookmaker’s available free bets, please check out our homepage for up-to-date, great value betting offers.