Gordon Strachan and Scotland must bounce back in tricky Georgian test

Scotland (odds-on favourites at 8/13 to triumph) know they must clinch a vital home win against Georgia, as Gordon Strachan attempts to guide his team through a tough Group D, also containing Germany and Poland.

The Tartan Terriers encountered the World Champions last time out, falling to a 2-1 defeat courtesy of a Thomas Muller double, but whilst they were praised for their efforts, anything less than victory here would be cause for concern.

Georgia, also known as the Crusaders, have been the bane of Scotland’s qualifying hopes before. The Caucasus country effectively ended the Tartan Terriers’ Euro 2008 ambitions by slaying the Scots 2-0, and are 9/2 to dent their plans again this time around.

With just two previous encounters between these two sides, the spoils have been split equally with one win apiece. However, the Scottish faithful can take comfort from the fact that their victory over the Crusaders came on home turf.

Kris Boyd and Craig Beattie netted the goals on that occasion, but it could be Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher who earns the nod for his nation this time around. The 27-year-old played the role of super-sub by setting up Scotland’s consolation goal against the Germans, before ending his own goal drought by bagging a brace for the Black Cats against Stoke.

With his confidence high, Strachan could select the in-form Fletcher (5/1 to score two or more again) to face a Georgian defence who conceded twice against the Republic of Ireland. A potential partnership with Everton’s Steven Naismith (4/1 to fire home first), who ran Manchester United ragged for the Toffees last time out, is tantalising and should be enough to snatch all three points.

Skipper and Celtic star Scott Brown should be fit to return in what would be a significant boost for the Tartan Terrriers, and Sporting Lisbon starlet Ryan Gauld (7/4 to crown his debut with a goal anytime) could be set to earn his first cap. The 18-year-old Dundee United product is yet to feature for the Portuguese giants, but is thrilled at the prospect of playing for his country.