Scotland should handle this opener against Haiti without too much drama. They've turned up in good nick lately, knocking four past Bolivia and another four past Curaçao just weeks ago. Haiti have mixed results too, but their attack looks capable of causing problems if Scotland switch off.
The last five games tell their own story. Haiti lost 1-2 to Peru, beat New Zealand 4-0, drew 1-1 with Iceland, lost 0-1 to Tunisia and won 2-0 against Nicaragua. Scotland won 4-0 against Bolivia, won 4-1 against Curaçao, lost 0-1 to Ivory Coast, lost 0-1 to Japan and won 4-2 against Denmark. Both sides clearly fancy scoring, yet the Scots have looked sharper in front of goal.
This is Haiti's first World Cup since 1974 and Scotland's first since 1998, so nerves will play a part at Gillette Stadium near Boston. Group C also holds Brazil and Morocco, which makes every point vital from the start. Duckens Nazon carries the main threat for Haiti with 44 international goals, while Frantzdy Pierrot and Wilson Isidor offer support up front. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde brings midfield know-how. For Scotland, Scott McTominay has been the standout, Andy Robertson leads from the back and John McGinn pulls the strings.
Predicted lineups point to a 4-2-3-1 for Haiti with Placide in goal, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix and Lacroix across the defence, Bellegarde and Pierre in midfield, then Deedson, Casimir and Providence behind Isidor. Scotland are expected to line up with Gunn between the posts, Hickey, Souttar, McKenna and Robertson at the back, Christie and Gilmour in the middle, Gannon-Doak, McTominay and McGinn further forward, Adams leading the line. Those shapes suggest Scotland will control more of the ball.
Both teams sit on zero points in Group C before kickoff. Scotland's experience in Europe should give them the edge here, though Haiti won't roll over easily after their recent wins. Expect the Scots to edge a narrow victory while both sides trade chances.
Recommended Bets
Scotland win @1.85 — stronger recent form and more European experience should see them take the points in the Group C opener.
Over 2.5 goals @2.10 — both teams have scored freely in their last five matches and lineups point to open play.
Scott McTominay anytime goalscorer @3.40 — in-form Napoli midfielder has been scoring regularly in qualifiers and friendlies.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
