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Scotland take on Denmark on Wednesday evening both teams look to prepare themselves for next month’s European Championship qualifiers.
There has been some criticism towards the timing of this friendly, but both managers will be hoping for a good work out for their squad.It is also a chance for some fringe players to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
Scotland have predictably had players withdraw from their squad, given how close it is to the start of the Premier League season. Then, the Championship and lower leagues are all underway. As is the Scottish Premier League.
Full-backs Allan Hutton and Steven Whittaker pulled out earlier in the week and they have been followed by Celtic midfielder Kris Commons most recently. The former Derby County man withdrew with a foot injury a day before the game.
With Darren Fletcher still recovering from injury, Kenny Miller will captain Scotland on the night and he will be looking to follow up his goalscoring start for new club Cardiff City last weekend.
As for the team as a whole, Scotland will be hoping to continue the form they have shown under manager Craig Levein. They almost held Spain in their most recent qualifier and have looked a much more organised outfit since he took over.
This game with Denmark is seen as perfect preparation for the two qualifying matches against Czech Republic and Lithuania.
As for Denmark, they will be looking to get a good 90 minutes under their belt and play their part in a competitive friendly.
There are plenty of familiar names in the visitors squad, including Daniel Agger and Nicklas Bendtner. The latter has recently said that he wants to leave Arsenal, so all eyes will be on him no doubt.
One thing worth noting when these two meet is that there has never been a draw. In the 14 matches against each other, there has always been a winner. Scotland have taken the spoils eight times and Denmark six.
With regards to the betting markets to look out for, Denmark are the favourites to secure the win, although they will be wary of an improved Scotland side.
As for the player most likely to open the scoring, Miller, Bendtner, Mads Junker, Morten Skoubo and Craig Mackail-Smith are leading the way.
Overall, with a lot else going on in the UK, this will hopefully be an entertaining fixture between two teams looking to get in some form ahead of the Euro 2012 qualification matches next month.
