Lee Dixon: Wales and Scotland to raise their games

Gareth Bale - Wales' key man
Wales and Scotland have both made disappointing starts to their World Cup qualifying campaigns, so can they rally and get themselves back on track on Friday night?
Wales have lost their last five matches and last time out they were drubbed 5-1 at home by Serbia. Scotland were dull and insipid in consecutive home draws after which manager Craig Levein was criticised for his conservatism. Excuse me if this match doesn't exactly set my pulse rating.
Actually, in terms of Celtic rivalry it's an exciting prospect. The fans will be up for it so you'd expect the managers to rally their players for a fierce contest at the Millenium Stadium. The players know each other too and, while that can often mean they cancel each other out, I anticipate an open game between two teams with points to prove.
Scotland didn't attack enough in the last round of matches. Drawing with Serbia wasn't a terrible result and if they'd then taken three points against Macedonia - the kind of team they must beat if they're to stand any chance of qualifying for tournaments - then they'd be in a decent position. As it is, they had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 against a team who are ranked 104 in the world. Scotland lie 56th.
Both teams have mustered only a goal each in their two matches so far. It makes sense that under 2.5 goals is as short as 1.7 but, as I say, I expect a more frenetic contest so I'm going to take 2.56 on over 2.5 goals. Odds of 4.5 also look long on over 3.5.
Gareth Bale is the key man and the best player on the pitch by a long way. There were injury concerns about him but it looks like the Welsh wizard is going to make it. We saw him destroy Manchester United a fortnight ago and I envisage him lighting up the Millenium Stadium on Friday. Alan Hutton faces a tough task if he's to keep Bale quiet and he may need some help from Gary Caldwell.
The good news for the away side is the return of Darren Fletcher. He's been performing well for Manchester United since coming back from injury and Levein will be delighted that Steven Fletcher has ended his self-imposed exile too. The striker has hit five goals for Sunderland this season and he is exactly what Scotland need.
Two sides need a win, both are desperate to get their campaigns back on track and give their beleaguered fans something to celebrate. This should be an entertaining game but I expect it to end all square.
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