Scotland host Costa Rica at Hampden Park on Friday evening, with new manager Alex McLeish looking to get his second spell in charge off to a winning start. However, with opponents Costa Rica having qualified for the World Cup Finals in Russia this summer, it promises to be a tough test for the hosts.
International Friendly – Hampden Park, Glasgow – Friday 23rd March – 19:45 UK Time
Scotland vs Costa Rica Match Preview
Scotland take on Costa Rica later this week, with the hosts hoping to put the disappointment of missing out on a place at the World Cup firmly behind them. Meanwhile, Costa Rica are preparing for summer encounters against Switzerland and Serbia with a tie against another European side. Managers McLeish and Óscar Ramírez will both be hoping to put their team on the front foot by gaining a tactical advantage ahead of kick-off. For those looking to place a bet on the clash, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s start by taking a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Scotland Team News & Form
Having become something of a first-team regular under Jose Mourinho, Manchester United youngster Scott McTominay is in line to make his first appearance for Scotland, after the midfielder turned down the opportunity to represent rivals England. All in all, there are six new faces for the hosts, with Oli McBurnie and Barry Douglas among the other potential debutants on Friday evening. Elsewhere, having been in fine form for Liverpool so far this season, Andrew Robertson looks a certain starter in defence, along with Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney.
Costa Rica Team News & Form
Boss Ramirez has named a familiar looking playing squad for their upcoming matches against Scotland and Tunisia, however on-loan Arsenal attacker Joel Campbell will not be available after being left out. However, the experience of players such as Bryan Oviedo and Bryan Ruiz, both of whom have played in the Premier League in the past, ensures that Costa Rica are never easy to defeat. Elsewhere, Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas will hope to keep a clean sheet in the match also.
Scotland vs Costa Rica Head to Head
The two nations have met just once in the past, coming back in 1990 when Costa Rica earned a narrow 1-0 victory at the World Cup in Italy. As a result of no competitive fixtures having taken place since then, making predictions based on their head-to-head record is difficult.
Scotland vs Costa Rica Betting Odds and Predictions
Their status as the home team on Friday evening means that it comes as little surprise that it is Scotland who are the narrow favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts, guided by new manager McLeish, can be backed for victory at odds of 1/1 with bookmaker Paddy Power, while Costa Rica are priced at 11/4 on the same platform. Meanwhile, a draw is available to back at best odds of 23/10 with Coral.
Scotland vs Costa Rica Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on under 2.5 goals being scored during the 90 minutes in Glasgow later this week, with odds of 13/20 available at William Hill.