Scotland vs England Six Nations Betting Tips
Saturday sees the 144th clash between Calcutta Cup rivals Scotland and England as the old rivals prepare to do battle at Murrayfield in the Six Nations.
England showed their title credentials in week one of this year’s competition, while Scotland suffered a shock defeat in their opening match.
Despite the contrasting fortunes last weekend, these fixtures are often close-run affairs and the hosts will see this as an opportunity to show what they are capable of.
An England victory, which would be their first at Murrayfield since 2020, will add further pressure to the shoulders of under-fire Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.
Scotland vs England Betting Tips
TIP 1 – England to win by 1-12 points @ 33/20
Even though last week’s defeat in Rome to Italy was a big setback for Scotland, the visit of England to Edinburgh will always see them raise their game.
A lot of last Saturday’s 18-15 defeat could be put down to the very wet conditions, while the Scots were also hit hard by a second-half sin-binning.
Replacement hooker George Turner was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and that proved to be a significant moment.
It’s three defeats in their last four matches for Townsend’s men and there is growing talk that his position is under serious threat.
He needs his players to stand and deliver against the old rivals – but they come up against an England team very much on the up.
Steve Borthwick’s men ran in 48 points against Wales at Twickenham, with that win making it 12 victories on the spin for the Red Rose.
There is a word of caution for England fans and backers, though, as Scotland have enjoyed the upper hand in recent years.
The men from north of the border have won four of the last five Calcutta Cup matches, including the last two at Murrayfield in 2022 and 2024.
Nine points is the largest winning margin of their last seven meetings, with the two teams even playing out a draw in the 2019 Six Nations.
Last year’s clash at Twickenham was another close affair, with England eventually winning 16-15 despite a late Scotland fightback.
TIP 2 – First Try England @ 8/13
Not only is confidence high in the England camp but coach Borthwick is also boosted by the return of a key figure for the trip to Murrayfield.
Captain Maro Itoje was on the bench for the win over Wales but is now ready to start, one of two changes made to the forward pack.
The British and Irish Lions skipper will replace Alex Coles in the starting XV, while Luke Cowan-Dickie comes in for Jamie George at hooker.
Itoje’s explosive work-rate and aggression could help England get off to a quick start as they look to put early pressure on the hosts.
It’s worth noting that England head into Saturday’s clash having scored the opening try in seven of their last eight international matches.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change