Scotland's quest to qualify for Euro 2020 kicks off in Kazakhstan on Thursday afternoon.
Alex McLeish steered his side to top spot in their Nations League group last year and consequently, Scotland are potentially two matches away from qualifying for the tournament via that route.
Nevertheless, the Scots are aiming to guarantee their place at the finals by securing a top-two finish in Group I. Victory in Astana would be a vital first step towards achieving that ambition.
Latest odds
Kazakhstan collected just three points from their 10 World Cup 2018 qualification fixture so it is little surprise that the hosts are available at a chunky 7/2 (4.50) to kick off this campaign with victory
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William Hill offer 12/5 (3.40) that both sides settle for a share of the spoils in the Kazakh capital. This is a match Scotland must surely win if they are to qualify and the odds compilers go 17/20 (1.85) that they take the points.
Team news
Allan McGregor retired from international football last week so Celtic's Scott Bain looks likely to be given the gloves. Captain Andrew Robertson is out, along with Steven Naismith, Charlie Mulgrew, Steven Fletcher and Kieran Tierney. Scott McKenna is doubtful.
Goals galore
Scotland have scored in each of their last five fixtures, notching an impressive seven goals in their two most recent outings. William Hill offer 11/8 (2.38) that there are more than two goals scored and 6/5 (2.20) that the visitors score at least two goals.
Home hopes
Kazakhstan, however, can draw some comfort from their recent fine form on home soil. Indeed, the hosts have lost just one of their last six matches on their own patch.
The Hawks claimed a 1-0 home win in a friendly against Moldova last month - Michal Bilek's first match in charge of the country - and William Hill offer 19/20 (1.95) that Bilek's men avoid defeat against Scotland.
The same firm offer a chunky 11/2 (6.50) that the hosts win without conceding, a play that would have paid dividends in each of Kazakhstan's last three victories.
Prediction
There remains plenty of potential for goals in Astana, however, considering Kazakhstan have scored in all but one of their last 12 matches. Furthermore, Scotland appear to be short of defensive options, with injuries biting for the visitors.
The 6/5 (2.20) quote from William Hill for both teams to score, therefore, could offer value ahead of Thursday's tussle.
Both teams to score at 6/5 (2.20) for a 1pt stake with William Hill
William Hill 
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