Scotland‘s women will hope to secure their first World Cup point as they take on Japan in Group D on Thursday.
Shelley Kerr’s side were beaten 2-1 by England in their opening clash while the 2011 winners were held 0-0 by Argentina.
Latest Odds
888Sport make Japan 8/11 (1.73) favourites to kick-start their campaign with a victory in Rennes.
Sitting 20th in the latest Fifa rankings, Scotland are 4/1 (5.0) shots to come out on top and 13/5 (3.60) to take a point.
Team News
Neither side have any injury concerns after matchday one although Asako Takakura will want more from his players, especially in the final third after a lacklustre display of finishing last time out.
Preview
Japan mustered just five shots, three of which were on target against Argentina. The former World Cup winners failed to break down a compact approach from the South Americans and that must be a concern coming into this game.
Under 2.5 goals is priced at 7/10 (1.70) while “No” on both teams to score is a 3/4 (1.75) chance with 888Sport at the time of writing.
By contrast, Scotland will take plenty of heart from their display against England. Despite looking a little overawed in the opening half, the underdogs grew into the game and gave the Lionesses some nervy moments after Manchester City forward Claire Emslie pulled a goal back.
That performance is certainly in keeping with their warm up results which included a 1-0 win over Brazil.
Predictions
It’s tough to trust Japan as odds-on favourites, especially after their toothless display in Paris. That stalemate was a third draw in a row for Takakura’s side and although the other two came against fine opposition in the form of Germany and Spain, it’s now five games without a win.
With that in mind, opposing the Asian side is a must in this clash. 888Sport offer 11/10 (2.10) about Scotland/Draw in the Double Chance market. This pays out in the event of anything other than a Japan win.
Having looked at home against one of the more fancied sides in the tournament, further improvement from Kerr’s side shouldn’t be ruled out and bolder punters may wish to chance the 4/1 (5.0) about Scotland taking a giant step towards the knockout stages with a victory in Rennes.
The underdogs certainly look a little overpriced on the evidence of their recent performances.
Scotland/Draw (Double Chance) at 11/10 (2.10) for a 2.5pt stake with 888Sport
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