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Scotland still have their fate in their own hands as they go up against group winners Spain, with Crag Levein’s men knowing that an upset win over the reigning world champions would secure a playoff place in Group I.
The Scots sit one point ahead of the Czech Republic with just one game to go, and while Michal Bilek’s side take on 4th placed Lithuania Levein must take his side to the Estadio José Rico Pérez and hope they can inflict Spain’s first defeat of their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
They can still also qualify so long as they match the final result in the Lithuania Czech Republic game.
Scotland put themselves in with a chance of reaching the play-offs by beating Lichtenstein 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith on Saturday to extend his side’s unbeaten run in Euro qualifiers to three games.
They will be hoping that Spain will ease off the gas having already qualified for next year’s tournament with the world Cup winners having already done them a favour by beating the Czech Republic 2-0 on Friday.
Scotland go into the game with a growing injury list, with Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan the latest addition after picking up a heel injury in the game against Lichtenstein.
He joins Kenny Miller in the physio’s room, who is a serious doubt after suffering a groin injury, while key duo Phil Bardsley and Makail-Smith have knocks as does Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam.
Spain have injury concerns of their own with Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso both pulling up during the victory against the Czech Republic.
Scotland will also be grateful that they won’t have to face Barcelona duo Cesc Fabregas and Andreas Iniesta after the pair were ruled out of Spain’s final group fixture, while Alvaro Negredo withdrawing from the squad before the win in Prague.
Chelsea’s Juan Mata was withdrawn mid-way through the game against the Czech Republic after a heavy tackle from Tomas Hubschman, who saw red.
Spain emerged victorious the last time the two teams met, picking up a 3-2 win at Hampden Park back in October last year.
Match Winner
Spain are heavy betting favourites to win the game and end their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign unbeaten, with Ladbrokes offering odds as short as 1.20 (1/5) on a Spanish victory.
A draw could do for a fired up Scotland side looking to qualify for their first international tournament since 1998, and with Spain having nothing to play for VC Bet’s offer of 8.00 (7/1) certainly tempting.
If you are feeling adventurous and fancy a Scottish win, StanJames are offering 17.00 (16/1) on Craig Levein’s men upsetting the odds.
First Scorer
Barcelona hot shot David Villa is the favourite to open the scoring on Tuesday, and is 3.75 (11/4) with Ladbrokes. Fernando Torres appears to have finally found his shooting boots for club side Chelsea and will be looking to impress for his country after a lean spell and is 4.50 (7/2) with the same bookmaker.
Kenny Miller represents Scotland’s best hope to open the scoring and is 15.00 (14/1) with BetFred while the same bookmaker has new Blackburn signing David Goodwillie at 17.00 (16/1).
Recommended Bets
Correct score, Spain 2-0 Scotland: 11/2 @ Bet365
Anytime Scorer, Juan Mata: 7/4 @ Bet365
