Internationals 
/ Mike Norman / 26 March 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Charlie Adam will hope to carry his impressive club form over to international level
"Under 2.5 Goals is surprisingly available to back at [2.2] and represents the best way of making a profit from this game – four of Brazil’s last five international friendlies have ended this way."
An experimental Brazil side should still be too good for a defensive-minded Scotland side says Mike Norman, but don't expect too many goals in this international friendly.
Scotland don't resume their Euro 2012 qualifying bid until September but a stern test most definitely awaits them when they face Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Scotland boss Craig Levein has added prolific Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith to his squad after Stephen Naismith's withdrawal left Kenny Miller as the only fit recognised front man. Levein also has injury worries over midfield duo Scott Brown and James Morrison but both are expected to be passed fit for the game no player ever wants to miss.
Brazil coach Mano Menezes is expected to field an experimental line-up as he prepares his side for the Copa America which commences in July. AC Milan's Robinho - who captained the side in Brazil's last friendly - has been left out of the squad, whilst his club teammate Pato will miss the game because of an ankle injury. Uncapped youngster Leandro Damiao could be given his international debut in attack after impressing for his club side Internacional this season.
Scotland will be buoyed after recording back-to-back 3-0 victories over the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland respectively, but this game represents a huge step up in class and a draw is arguably the best they can hope for. The Scots are available to back at [9.8] in the Match Odds market with Brazil the overwhelming favourites at [1.43] and The Draw at [4.8].
Levein was heavily criticised for fielding a 4-6-0 formation against the Czech Republic last year, and although he is unlikely to start with an equally negative formation this time, he is expected to pack the midfield, with the impressive Charlie Adam handed the job of protecting the back four. Expect a low-scoring encounter then as the Scots try to keep an unfamiliar Brazil side - and one that will be much changed as the game goes on - at bay. Under 2.5 Goals is surprisingly available to back at [2.2] and represents the best way of making a profit from this game - four of Brazil's last five international friendlies have ended this way.
In the Correct Score market, the 1-0 - available to back at [8.4] - and 2-0 ([6.8]) to Brazil options are worth considering, though I wouldn't put anyone off having a few quid on the 0-0 scoreline at [17.0].
Recommended Bet: Back Under 2.5 Goals at [2.2]
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