Scotland to Strach it lucky under new boss

6Feb 2013

Betfair

Jonno Turner picks two international sides to snatch victories in their respective ties today.

We're off to the African Cup of Nations for our first pick of the day - as Mali lineup against Nigeria in the semi finals of this competition.

The Super Eagles have been mighty impressive so far this tournament, and are unbeaten following a win and two draws in the group stage, and a shock victory over tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire in the last round.

Stephen Keshi's side has smashed four goals in their last two outings, and the ex-Mali boss has a fully fit squad to choose from, welcoming back midfielder Fegor Ogude after a one match suspension.

The likes of Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses provide Nigeria with a wealth of attacking talent, and they will be keen to fire their side to the trophy for the first time since Keshi captained the Super Eagles to glory in Tunisia 1994.

Much has been made of Keshi's insider knowledge of this Mali side, because he coached them as recently as 2010 and many of the players are the same now as then.

Les Aigles needed penalties to overcome hosts South Africa in the last round, and have won just one of their four outings in this competition, which suggests that they may lack the consistency to lift the cup.

Captain Seydou Keita is their most well-known player, and he has played in every one of their African Cup encounters this year - scoring two goals.

And Mali do rely heavily on their 33 year old skipper, which could cost them as they face a Nigeria side with quality throughout the squad.

Nigeria are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Mali, and I think that the Super Eagles will have the beating of their opponents once again this afternoon.

Bet 1: Nigeria (AWAY) @ 2.22

Back to slightly more familiar climes now, as Scotland host Estonia at Pittodrie in a friendly - with new boss Gordon Strachan looking to kick off his reign in style.

Much is made of international sides taking an apathetic attitude to mid season friendlies, but there is a lot resting on this clash for the Scottish, and make no mistake they will be looking for a comfortable win - and positive performance - in this encounter.

Strachan has selected Scott Brown as his new skipper, and although there have been two or three withdrawals due to injury, the hosts still have a quality squad to choose from.

Although previous incumbent Craig Levein's tenure came to an abrupt end before Christmas, the Scots home form is actually rather impressive. Seven unbeaten ahead of this tie, and two clean sheets from their last five, suggests that the basis of a successful squad is in place - and positive results against Denmark, Czech Republic and Australia in the not too distant past will have boosted confidence north of the border.

Estonia go into this one having lost four of their last half a dozen - shipping eight goals and scoring just four in that time.

Tarmo Ruutli's side lost 2-1 to UAE in their last trip away from the A. Le Coq Arena, and they will be looking to correct a slide which has seen them succumb in five out of seven on the road of late.

But they have never beaten the Scottish in seven meetings, and that suggests that the momentum in the home camp should be enough to secure the home win.

Bet 2: Scotland (HOME) @ 1.58