allyhibs
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Posts posted by allyhibs
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Scotland should win tonight but I wouldn't be betting on it being comfortable. Clarke will probably set us up with 5 at the back, 2 holding and 1 up front and be happy with a 1 goal win.
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7 hours ago, StevieDay1983 said:
Israel vs Scotland
The next game from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA section that I'm looking at is the fixture between Israel and Scotland in a 7:45pm BST kick-off from the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv in Group F. Neither team experienced a dream start to their campaign but both will feel their results were far from disappointing and a victory here will set them right back on track.
Israel suffered a 2-0 loss at home to group favourites Denmark in their opening game of this campaign. It wasn't exactly a surprising result but they can be forgiven for thinking it's a missed opportunity. The Blue and Whites have now lost their last 4 home qualifying games for World Cup tournaments. It's a huge downturn in home form in that competition given they had only lost 3 of their previous 25 home games in World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Willibald Ruttensteiner will be hoping to inflict third consecutive home win on Scotland in the space of 3 years. The most recent of those only coming back in November of last year in the UEFA Nations League. However, their current form in qualifiers isn't great having won just 1 of their last 9 such matches.
Scotland will be looking to build on the platform of the 2-2 draw at home to Austria. Once again, it wasn't necessarily a shock result for the Scots but it was a missed chance to start their qualification campaign with a big 3 points against one of the nations that will undoubtedly be competing for one of those top two spots in the group. Head coach Steve Clarke knows his side will need to lay to rest the ghost of Israel if they're to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. The Tartan Army have lost just 2 of their last 13 World Cup qualifiers. Away form is a problem for Scotland in recent times though with the nation suffering 8 losses from their previous 13 away games. I backed him in their last game and I'm tempted to recommend John McGinn as an anytime scorer again because the Aston Villa midfielder has bagged 8 goals in his last 9 qualifying matches for major tournaments.
Well, you don't want to put too much emphasis on the importance of a single game at this level but it's hard to deny that this game could seal the fate of Scotland's World Cup campaign already. Defeat here would be a massive blow to the team but then if they can take all 3 points it would put them in an encouraging position after two group games. I'm not confident they can win this game but I do feel they will have learned enough from their last two defeats away to Israel to grind out a draw.
Draw @ 3.30 with SBK
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.65 with SBK
My initial thoughts were a draw also Steve but on seeing the team it looks to me like we're going a bit more attacking, more pace up front with Ritchie and Adams, rather than long punts to Dykes, formation looks like McGinn can play more advanced also. I think we can win this. McGinn with his customary goal of course.
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5 hours ago, StevieDay1983 said:
My maaaaan!!! What a goal as well! Ironically, both Scotland and Austria seemed a bit off their best so think a draw was probably a fair result. Disappointing for you guys not to win but far from a disaster. All to play for.
Didn't back the draw unfortunately, I thought Scotland were far too defensive, Clarke needs to realise some games can be won by having a go at the other team.
Did back McGinn anytime at 5.50 though, my man crush on the legend that is Super John just gets deeper and deeper.
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1 hour ago, StevieDay1983 said:
Scotland vs Austria
The most intriguing game of the day in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers in the UEFA section on Thursday night is the encounter between Scotland and Austria in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off at Hampden Park in Group F. In what is arguably one of the most open groups of the qualification phase, the result in this game could have a major impact on the destiny of these two teams even at this early stage.
Scotland are enjoying a decent period of form at the moment. Steve Clarke might have courted his fair share of criticism for his management so far but there is no denying the former West Brom manager is making progress. The Tartan Army not only reached their first major international tournament since 1998 by qualifying for the 2020 European Championship but they also produced a solid performance in the UEFA Nations League to not only secure their spot in League B but also give themselves a chance of bagging a play-off spot in these qualifiers. It's now 9 wins from the last 13 home qualifiers for Scotland and the Scots did not lose a single one of their home qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup. If you fancy an outside bet for anytime scorer then midfielder John McGinn has scored 7 goals in 15 appearances under Clarke.
Austria will be another side buzzing after qualifying for the 2020 European Championship. Head coach Franco Foda has a full complement of players to pick from after German and French authorities relaxed their covid quarantine rules. This is an Austrian team that is in decent form heading into this game having won all four of their away games during 2020 and earning promotion to League A after finishing top of their group in League B of the UEFA Nations League. It's also interesting to see that Austria have won 12 of their 18 opening games in World Cup qualification down the years. Foda is also working wonders for the team with the nation enjoying a 67% win ratio under their manager.
This is going to be a tough game for Scotland to open their World Cup qualification campaign but what an opportunity this is for both nations. Denmark, Israel, Faroe Islands, and Moldova are the other teams in the group so a victory here would put either side in a prime position to contest the top spot. However, a defeat and it's already looking like a tall order. Austria are guaranteed a play-off spot already so they have nothing to lose. I anticipate they'll come out fighting as they look to get the win. Could that play into the conservative approach of Clarke? @allyhibs, what are you thinking? I love Scotland. I have family heritage linked to the country and I have fond memories of visits there. On that basis, I'm going to give them some support and back them to get a draw. Austria are not to be underrated though!
Draw @ 3.40 with Novibet
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.67 with Novibet
I think this is one of those games where Scotland need to be at their best to get anything from. Austria are a good side with some top players but Clarke has us well organised with a sprinkling of top players also, a low scoring draw wouldn't be a surprise.
John McGinn for anytime scorer's a great shout, funnily enough, I was thinking the same driving home from work.
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Price on Motherwell now at 4.50 @StevieDay1983, tempting for a small punt now.
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I think the price on Motherwell looks about right @StevieDay1983, they've been left in a right mess by their ex manager and are in dire form, St Mirren are the better side.
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Hibernian v St Johnstone.
Strong starting 11 and a strong bench for Hibs in the League Cup Semi final this evening, St Johnstone are a decent side but I think Hibs just edge it. The odds on the Hibs win have been creeping upwards today and look good value now, it's a max bet for me.
Hibs @ 2.60 - 4 pts.
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Hibernian v Livingston.
After Wednesday nights abject performance, Jack Ross needed to freshen things up for this game and he's done exactly that with the return of a few players from injury, Marciano, Gogic and Mallan replacing Barnes, Wright and Hallberg makes us a far better team and the price on the home win looks good value because of it.
Hibs @ 2.45 - 2pts.
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That was the worst performance in a long time, not one player gets pass marks from me. Right from the start it was clear none of them were on it, poor first touch, passes going astray, second to every ball, slow, no energy or drive, just an awful performance. Whatever it was it needs to be fixed quickly.
- Gidds and StevieDay1983
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Hibernian v Ross County.
Looks a pretty comfortable home win to me, nice price to beat the handicap.
Hibs -1 @ 2.25 - 2pts.
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1 hour ago, Teodore said:
Any reason why Santa like so much Hibernian and change Hibs from 1.7 to 2.05? @allyhibs
I have no idea, there's no way Hibs should be this high.
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Hibernian v St Mirren.
I checked the odds for this game yesterday and saw the Hibs win priced at 1.70 and thought that looks about right and was going to look for another bet. Got up this morning to see that the odds have went out to 2.05. I'm having some of that, thanks Santa.
Hibs @ 2.05 - 4pts.
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42 minutes ago, StevieDay1983 said:
You don't have any concerns about Jack Ross fielding a back-up side that could be vulnerable to being shocked? I should add that Alloa were the first ever Scottish side I managed on Football Manager. Managed to get an ageing Dennis Bergkamp on a 6 week trial where he scored 12 goals in 5 games. The game wasn't quite as realistic back then!
I don't think there's much chance of playing a weakened side in a quarter final regardless of the opposition. Same team as Saturday, get the job done early.
Bergkamp in his prime wouldn't get a sniff from this Hibs defence at the moment, Paul Hanlon would have him in his back pocket
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Alloa v Hibernian.
You're right @StevieDay1983, Hibs should win this comfortably, we've been impressive the last couple of games and anything near that level tonight will see a convincing win. Max bet for me.
Hibs -1 @ 2.00 - 4pts.
Hibs -2 @ 3.20 - 1pt.
Hibs to win both halves @ 3.20 - 1pt.
I even think I'm being cautious here, I might do higher handicap bets nearer k.o.
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Back to winning ways last week with Queens Park doing the business but it's a difficult week this week to find any value, I've got 1 single and an 4fold.
St Johnstone v Livingston.
I was impressed with St Johnstone a couple of weeks ago at Easter Road and they followed that up with a draw at Celtic last week. Livingstons only win recently came last week against a Dundee Utd side who had half their first team squad self isolating due to Covid, that was also a home game where they pick up most of their points on the horrible artificial surface, they don't do so well away from home usually. I think St Johnstone are the better side here and the home win looks a decent price.
St Johnstone @ 2.37 - 2pts.
There's a few sides today look like winners to me but the bookies obviously think the same and have them all short odds on, I've put them in a 4fold.
Hibs, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Stirling - 4fold @ 5.45 - 1pt.
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oops, looks like I've posted in the wrong place.
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Not convinced with the Hibs line up today, a few players missing, which I suspected, I'd be happy with a draw. No bet for me.
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It's not been a great couple of weeks lately, made worse last week with Hearts of all teams letting me down, first and last time I back them. Hopefully things start looking up today.
Raith v Dunfermline.
Raith started the season well but were brought back down to earth last time out with a defeat to Inverness, I don't think they're as good as Dunfermline who were impressive last time out in beating Hearts. I'd have the away win odds closer to Evens so there's a wee bit value here I think.
Dunfermline @ 2.20 - 1pt.
East Fife v Airdrie.
East Fife look a poor side this season, already conceding 10 goals in just 5 games. Airdrie are a decent side who score a few, 1 could be enough for the away win. Just like the Dunfermline game, the odds look big to me.
Airdrie @ 2.20 - 1pt.
Cowdenbeath v Queens Park.
I've said it before, Queens Park are easily the best side in this league and have started the season strongly, as expected. They should comfortably make it 6 wins in a row today. NAP.
Queens Park -1 @ 2.88 - 2pts.
I'm going to wait for the teams to be announced before deciding on the Hibs game today, I'll try to get back here before k.o.
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Anyone got any idea why Bristol City are such a big price? Reading have been awful recently.
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Celtics last minute equaliser last week was a blow, not often you land a 6.50 shot. Ah well, on to this week.
Hibernian v Dundee and Alloa v Hearts.
The League Cup quarter finals today see repeats of games played recently, Hibs beating Dundee 4 - 1 in the League Cup group stage just 2 weeks ago and Hearts beating Alloa 3 -0 in a league game just a few days ago. I don't really see any reason why the same sort of scorlines won't be repeated today. I feel a little bit dirty backing Hearts but sometimes you just have to do things you don't like. Max stakes double looks a near cert.
Hibs, Hearts Double @ 1.80 - 4pts.
Hibs - 1, Hearts - 1 Double @ 3.39 - 1pt.
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Hibernian v Celtic.
Celtic have been a bit hot and cold so far this season, impressing 1 week then poor the next. Hopefully it's a poor week this week and Hibs can get back to winning ways, I've got a good feeling about today.
Hibs @ 6.50 - 1pt.
Hibs to score first half @ 3.00 - 1pt.
Inverness v Raith.
Raith are the leagues highest scoring side and have looked impressive so far. Inverness is a dfficult place to go but if Raith can continue scoring goals then an away win could be on the cards, the odds on the away win look wrong to me, should be much shorter.
Raith @ 2.87 - 1pt.
Falkirk v Cove.
Cove are the best side in this league and again the odds look all wrong to me, they should be favourites here.
Cove @ 2.90 - 2pts.
2022 World Cup Qualifying European Predictions > Mar 24th - 31st
in World Cup 2022 Tips & Predictions
Posted
I wasn't being entirely serious about 5 at the back etc, it's just Steve Clarke is boring me to tears with his ultra cautious, dull, turgid football. We actually have a decent group of players at the moment, things should be a bit more entertaining. Super John scores again though, ooft.
Great result for you guys, the Czechs are a decent side but Belgium are on a different level.