Calum MacLeod is banking on Christchurch's resident tartan army to subdue their Barmy Army counterparts and propel Scotland to a famous win over England.

The sides meet at the Hagley Oval in the early hours of Monday morning and the Scots could virtually consign England to World Cup elimination, following their heavy defeat to New Zealand, if they can break their duck against their neighbours.

Victory would, in turn, allow the Scots to set their sights on the possibility of qualifying for the knockout stages.

MacLeod believes the team's return to the scene of last year's triumph in the World Cup Qualifier will work to their advantage and he is convinced Scotland will have a 12th man behind them in the shape of a noisy support.

The Durham batsman said: "We've been lucky enough to be out here a couple of times before so I think we have created a bit of a fanbase. There is also a big Scottish connection in Christchurch as well so hopefully they'll come out and support us. It would be brilliant if they can help cheer us to a famous win against the English."

MacLeod believes Scotland can take heart from the way they battled back from a disastrous start against New Zealand before going down by just three wickets in Dunedin in their opening game.

England's capitulation by eight wickets to the same side proved that most teams would struggle against the Black Caps, who have justified their status as one of the favourites to go all the way in the tournament.

"The lads are happy to be back here in Christchurch and the mood is positive after the first game," added MacLeod. "We know we can't go into every game on 14 for four but we have taken a lot of confidence from the way we fought back."

Paul Hoffmann was a clubmate of MacLeod's at Uddingston towards the end of his own prolific Scotland career and he believes the man in dark blue and tartan have a genuine chance of compounding Eoin Morgan's misery.

The former pace bowler, now resident back in his native Queensland, believes there will never be a better time for Scotland's long-awaited maiden World Cup victory.

He told Herald Sport: "I think Scotland have a great chance. England are a rabble just now. Eoin Morgan can't score a run. They play without any emotion or urgency. James Anderson looks a shadow of his former self.

"Stuart Broad is down on pace. Steven Finn is the same and he is also lacking in confidence. Their selectors don't have any answers and they are all over the place. If this is the best XI England have got, then they're in big trouble."

Hoffmann admitted that the Scots would have to up the ante on their opening performance, especially with the bat, but he would not be shaken from his confidence.

He added: "Scotland's top order need to fire, but I believe they can against England and they have players who can make a big impression in this competition.

"Their bowlers can also take confidence from their showing against NZ. And, in Majid Haq, Scotland have arguably the best spinner in the tournament."

Haq only requires one more wicket to overtake Craig Wright's Scottish record of 256. Hoffmann has no doubt other records can be broken as well.