Scotland must be brave if they are to beat the odds and Germany

Reigning world champions Germany have lost just one of the five encounters with Scotland since reunification. Their last meeting was at Borussia Dortmund’s Wesfalenstadion where the Tartan Army will travel to again, and a repeat 2-1 scoreline in favour of Die Mannschaft is 10/1 with Coral.

That price on a precise home win, rather than the short 1/6 on victory for Joachim Low’s lads whatever the result, is appealing because of the defensive dearth facing both sides. Scotland boss Gordon Strachan was hit by the late withdrawals of left-sided pair Christophe Berra and Andrew Robertson, which means there could be a lack of balance to the visitors’ backline.

A famous win for Scotland, who are six matches unbeaten, is a remote prospect, therefore, at 16/1. Don Hutchison’s goal in Bremen back in 1999 helped the Tartan Army roar their team to a monumental upset. Lengthy odds of 70/1 on a repeat 1-0 victorious Scotland scoreline should be considered by patriots and romantics.

It’s 13/2 on a draw, and a selection headache of inexperience or versatility for their left back berth. Derby County’s Craig Forsyth could be set for just his second Scotland cap, while Norwich City’s Steven Whittaker offers more international matches under his belt and Charlie Mulgrew of Celtic, used more often in midfield nowadays, is another option.

Alan Hutton and Grant Hanley should be retained in the Scotland defence in front of first-choice keeper Allan McGregor, but facing the recent World Cup winners is the biggest test of their careers. Russell Martin is doubtful with a groin strain.

Having missed a hatful of chances in a warm-up friendly loss to Argentina (a rematch from the final in Brazil), Low may drop Mario Gomez, following Miroslav Klose’s international retirement, in favour of the ‘false nine’ tactic. Namesake Mario Gotze, who netted the goal that won Germany the World Cup, is 6/5 to strike again anytime.

With new captain Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee), Mesut Ozil (ankle), Sami Khedira and Julian Draxler (both thigh) all injured, Thomas Muller (3/1 to score first) and Toni Kroos (10/3 to net anytime), both big performers in Brazil, should start in midfield.