Defence minded Scotland could hang on until half-time
What a task awaits Scotland in Alicante on Tuesday evening when they meet the reigning European and World Champions Spain knowing that they will probably have to leave with all three points to hang on to second place in Group I and book a place in the play-offs.
Scotland currently occupy the play-off berth a point ahead of the Czech Republic, but they face a far simpler task on Tuesday evening when they visit Lithuania and the Scots must expect them to leave the city of Kaunas with an away win.
Saturday's Scottish match-winner Craig Mackail-Smith has emerged as an injury doubt for this vital clash with a tight hamstring and fellow striker Kenny Miller is still trying to recover from a groin problem.
With the possibility of a lack of forward talent at his disposal for this match Craig Levein's tactics will almost definitely be to keep things tight for as long as possible, frustrate Spain and hope to pinch something late on. Although that is unlikely to work it could be an angle of attack from a punting point of view.
In Spain's two home group matches against the Czech's and Lithuania, although they emerged with wins they were not in front at half-time in either. Combine that with Scotland's desire and probable defensive tactics early on and I believe that the 5.00 with Betfred for it to be a draw at half-time before Spain go on to win is decent value.