Liechtenstein vs Scotland preview

October 7, 2011
By: Frank Beresford

Minnows Liechtenstein will be looking to repeat the performance from Hampden Park when they play host to Scotland, although they will be hoping for a different result.

Despite being considered one of the weakest sides in the European zone, Liechtenstein have showed a lot of promise in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

After losing at home to Spain in their opening game, Hans Peter Zaugg’s side took the lead against Scotland at Hampden Park, but ended up losing the game by conceding in the seventh minute of injury time.

They have since picked up four points, in two games against Lithuania, and now have a great chance to pour more misery on Scotland. The hosts are 1.95 (19/20) with Sportingbet to score in this match.

Boss Zaugg faces a severe selection headache as Franz Burgmeier is suspended, whereas Philippe Erne and Franz-Josef Vogt are sidelined with injuries.

Michael Stocklasa and top scorer Mario Frick are also carrying knocks, but they are expected to start nevertheless.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-3-2): Jehle – Michael Stocklasa, Rechsteiner, Ritzberger, Oehri – Martin Stocklasa – Buchel, Polverino, Wieser – Frick, D. Hasler.

Scotland have been far from impressive in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, but they are still in the race for a place in the play-offs.

The Tartan Army missed a great chance to stake their claim for the second place in the group as they couldn’t beat rivals Czech Republic despite twice taking the lead at Hampden Park.

Craig Levein’s side, nevertheless, returned to contention with a narrow win over Lithiuania, and they enter the final two rounds sitting two points behind the Czechs.

With Czech Republic hosting Spain, the Scots can move to second place by beating Liechtenstein and it is William Hill who has the best price on away win, 1.33 (3/9).

Scotland travel to Spain on Tuesday, whereas the Czechs face a difficult away game in Lithuania, so maybe this is the right time to back Scotland to finish second at odds of 4.50 (7/2) offered by Unibet.

Boss Levein will not be able to field his best side in Liechtenstein as Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher have been ruled out through injury, whereas Kenny Miller is a major doubt with a groin tear.

The good news is that Graham Dorrans, Barry Robson and Alan Hutton have all resumed training and they are in contention for the starting places.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): McGregor – Hutton, Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley – Morrison, Adam, Cowie, Bannan – Naismith, Goodwillie.

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