Recommended bets
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These two last met in Euro 2016 qualifying with both encounters ending 2-2. Scotland are unbeaten in 11 matches at Hampden (excluding Euro 2020 matches) dating back to September 2019.
Both teams to score is 10/11.
Scotland to win and both teams to score is 9/2.
John McGinn has scored 11 international goals, all in qualifiers and all under Steve Clarke. He is 11/1 to score first and 9/2 to net anytime.
Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace when he last visited Hampden in 2015. He is 10/3 to score first and 6/5 to score anytime.
Match preview
Today should’ve been the big day for both Poland and Scotland, but outside circumstances have changed all that.
For Poland, their World Cup qualification fate will still be decided this week as they’ve simply received a bye through to the Path B Final.
So, Czesław Michniewicz’s side will welcome Sweden or Czech Republic to Chorzów on Tuesday with the winners qualifying for Qatar 2022.
The Eagles qualified for the play-offs by finishing second in Group I, below England but above Hungary and Albania who both ran them close.
The Red and Whites have previously qualified for eight World Cups, including 2018, so will be confident of making that nine on Tuesday.
However, there’s been plenty of off-field turmoil for Poland to contend with, namely four managers in the last four years.
Adam Nawałka was sacked after the last World Cup with Jerzy Brzęczek dismissed following the UEFA Nations League of 2020.
Paulo Sousa guided them to second in that aforementioned qualifying group but he then left for Flamengo just before New Years’ Day.
So now, Czesław Michniewicz, who won last season’s Ekstraklasa title, will take charge of the national team for the first time here.
Scotland meanwhile will have to wait for their semi-final against Ukraine as that, and the subsequent final, have been postponed to June.
Last time round in the play-offs, Steve Clarke guiding his nation to a first major tournament for 23 years, beating Israel and Serbia both on penalties.
Here, the Tartan Army will be looking to continue their excellent form having won their last six competitive matches, their best run for over 30 years.
This includes their last qualifier, a 2-0 victory over Denmark, which rubber stamped the play-off place that keeps the World Cup dream alive.
The Dark Blues will face the losers of Wales vs Austria in another friendly on Tuesday as their preparations for a massive June continue.
Which World Cup hopefuls will win at Hampden?
Scotland team news
David Marshall, Scott McKenna, Liam Cooper, David Turnbull, Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Fraser are the key absentees due to injury.
Captain Andy Robertson and striker Lyndon Dykes are both unavailable due to Covid-19 but could be back for this window’s second match.
39 year old Craig Gordon could win his 65th Scotland cap, thereby moving into the top ten of all-time.
If he doesn’t, there will be a debut between the sticks for either Liam Kelly or Zander Clark.
Likewise, teenaged full-back Aaron Hickey, who’s shone for Bologna this season, could win his very first senior cap.
Nathan Patterson has played just 45 minutes of football since joining Everton in January, so will be hoping for some much needed minutes.
Up front, Ché Adams scored four Scotland goals in 2021, so will be looking to better that tally this year.
He, supported by Ryan Christie, John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong, are likely to be the main goal threats.
Jacob Brown made his debut in Chișinău against Moldova in November, so will be looking for his first Hampden appearance here.
Poland team news
Czesław Michniewicz faces a tough balancing act with their play-off final right around the corner.
Does he try and build cohesion by deploying his strongest XI or protect key players by leaving them in reserve?
Of course, Robert Lewandowski is their superstar; only 12 men in the history of football have scored more international goals than his 74.
Adam Buksa will be hoping for another chance to impress alongside having scored five goals in five caps for his country.
Elsewhere, Wojciech Szczęsny is the undisputed number one goalkeeper after Łukasz Fabiański retired in October.
Right-back Matty Cash, who switched allegiance from England last year, will be looking for his third cap in this one.
Mateusz Wieteska, Patryk Kun, Konrad Michalak and Szymon Żurkowski will all be hoping for international debuts.
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