Nigeria start their World Cup preparations by taking on in-form Scotland at Craven Cottage in London, with both sides eager to continue the great run of results.

Following a long unsuccessful spell, the Super Eagles have finally started playing to their potential, with the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title providing a huge boost for the national team.

Stephen Keshi’s side continued with impressive displays to qualify for the 2014 World Cup thanks to a 4-1 play-off win over Ethiopia, and they are now stepping up their preparations for the tournament in Brazil.

The boss has recalled several high-profile players for his provisional squad, with Peter Odemwingie, Shola Ameobi and Joseph Yobo making the cut, but he has yet to name his final 23-man squad.

Following the goalless draw with Mexico in March, the Super Eagles will be hoping to return to winning ways against Scotland, and they are 2.25 (5/4) favourites to win at Craven Cottage.

With no fresh injuries to reports, Stephen Keshi is expected to field his strongest possible line-up, where Emmanuel Emenike is expected to lead the line.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Enyeama – Ambrose, Oboabona, Omeruo, Echiejile – Onazi, Joel Obi, Mikel – Musa, Emenike, Moses.

The national team chiefs appointed Gordon Strachan after it became clear Scotland would not be playing at the 2014 World Cup and that proved to be a very good decision.

The former Celtic manager helped the players restore the lost confidence and the Tartan Army impressed everyone to record three wins in last four qualifiers, beating very good Croatia side both home and away.

Excellent results continued in international friendlies as Scotland defeated Norway and Poland on the road following the goalless draw with United States and no doubt Gordon Strachan and his men are very motivated to keep the excellent run going.

And even though they will be missing quite a few players against Nigeria, the Tartran Army look a good bet at 3.60 (13/5).

Derby County trio Craig Bryson, Chris Martin and Craig Forsyth are back after taking part in the Championship play-off final, but they are unlikely to play a major part.

James McArthur, Gary Caldwell, Graham Dorrans, Darren Fletcher, Robert Snodgrass, Russell Martin, Charlie Adam, James Forrest and Steven Fletcher all miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Marshall – Hutton, Hanley, Berra, Mulgrew – Morrison, Brown, Bannan – Maloney, McCormack, Boyd.