Scotland vs England Prediction: A close margin result expected

Scotland and their longstanding rivals, England, are set to continue their 2024 Six Nations campaigns as they clash in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield this weekend. The atmosphere is expected to be intense. With England trailing Ireland by just two points in second place with 8 points and Scotland holding the third position with 5 points, this match assumes critical significance. 

Scotland enters this third-round fixture with one victory and one defeat under their belt. In the opening weekend, an impressive first-half performance allowed them to secure a narrow 27-26 win against Wales on the road. However, a fortnight ago at Murrayfield, Scotland fell short as France claimed a 20-16 victory. This loss poses a significant challenge for Scotland, requiring them to make a strong comeback to stay in contention.

On a positive note, Scotland boasts a winning streak against England in their last three encounters. These matchups have been closely contested, with no more than seven points separating the two sides in the last five games.

England currently holds the second position on the Six Nations table with eight points after two matches, securing victories in both games. However, they have been unable to gather bonus points in either match, and their performances so far have lacked the expected conviction, particularly considering the relatively manageable nature of their opening fixtures.

In the tournament's first weekend, England narrowly clinched a 27-24 victory over Italy in Rome. In their most recent outing, they once again just managed to secure a win, edging out Wales 16-14 at home. The outcome of that match could easily have swung in the opposite direction. Facing Scotland at Murrayfield will undoubtedly present their toughest challenge yet.

Steve Borthwick is expected to field a lineup he deems as full-strength for this crucial encounter. This match holds significant importance for England as they strive to stay in contention for the championship.

Encounters between these well-known adversaries typically unfold with narrow differentials, and a similar scenario is anticipated in this matchup. Despite neither side delivering convincing performances thus far in the competition, Scotland appears to be the more composed of the two, and we anticipate them securing a close victory in front of their home supporters.

However, considering the substantial task both teams face in terms of their offensive strategies, placing a bet on the total points being 'over' is a consideration worth exploring.