Scotland are potentially one step away from qualifying for the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history and they continue their campaign with a tough fixture against Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Friday, which is assessed by Racing Post football expert Dan Childs.
Making a winning start must have come as a huge relief for Scotland, who never recovered from a 5-1 loss to Germany in their opening match at Euro 2024.
It is possible that Scotland could advance to the round of 32 without taking another point, but they will be keen to build on the positive vibes created by their first World Cup win since 1990.
John McGinn’s deflected strike was enough to earn a precious 1-0 success over Haiti, who fought back strongly and emerged from the game with plenty of credit.
But there will be tougher challenges to come, starting with the fixture against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, who are keen on another long run in the tournament.
The Moroccans showed a fearless attitude against Brazil and were rewarded with a well-deserved 1-1 draw. They are keen to kick-on and will be targeting maximum points from their remaining Group C games.
Scotland v Morocco Tips Summary
Best Bet - Morocco to win and both teams to score @ 10/3
Alternative Bet - Aaron Hickey to be carded @ 12/5
Bet Builder - Ismael Saibari to score any time, Neil El Aynaoui 1+ shots on target & Over 2 goals @ 7/1
Scotland v Morocco Prediction
Best Bet: Morocco to win and both teams to score @ 10/3
Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil was an absorbing contest with both teams approaching it with a positive mentality.
A point apiece was about right, but there were lots of positives from Morocco, who have clearly taken confidence from their exploits at Qatar 2022.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side prefer to play on the front foot with full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui encouraged to push forward.
They look capable of scoring plenty of goals and may need more than one to see off Scotland, who are clearly enjoying their return to the big stage.
Scotland carry plenty of threats, especially from midfield, and are likely to find the net for a seventh successive competitive game.
However, they were defensively suspect against Haiti and could be exposed by Morocco in an end-to-end encounter.
Alternative Bet: Aaron Hickey to be carded @ 12/5
Scotland had plenty of defending to do against the Haitians and there was a consequence for right back Aaron Hickey, who received a yellow card in the early stages of the second half.
And Hickey faces a tougher assignment against Morocco, who were noticeably strong down the left flank against Brazil with Bilal El Khannouss and Mazraoui combining to excellent effect.
Hickey will be keen to avoid a suspension, but a second successive caution seems a likely scenario.
Scotland v Morocco Bet Builder Tip
Ismael Saibari to score any time
Neil El Aynaoui 1+ shots on target
Over 2 goals
Pays 7/1
Morocco played some lovely football against Brazil and they had a cutting edge with centre-forward Ismael Saibari popping up with a superb goal.
Saibari should be full of confidence and he can follow with another match-winning contribution.
Scotland face a threat in behind from Saibari, but they must also be mindful of the long range shooting of midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.
The Roma player registered a couple of decent efforts against Brazil and can at least test the reflexes of Scotland keeper, Angus Gunn.
There should be counter-attacking opportunities for the Scots, who can contribute to the high-scoring fayre.
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Key Match Stats
Morocco are on a 30-game unbeaten streak
Both teams have scored in four of Morocco's last six fixtures
Morocco have opened the scoring in each of their last five matches
Four of Scotland's last five competitive matches have generated at least three goals
Scotland have scored in eight of their last 10 fixtures
Scotland have kept only one clean sheet in their five competitive games
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
