Scotland face a massive World Cup qualifier tomorrow night in Vienna when Steve Clarke’s side take on Austria – and the Tartan Army boss is going to have some tough decisions to make if he is to keep their dream of going to Qatar alive.
After the 1-0 win over Moldova at Hampden, Scotland can still sneak into second place but can’t afford anything other than three points in the Austrian capital.
Scotland currently sit third in Group F, two points behind Israel and seven behind runaway leaders Denmark with five games to play.
While Scotland were far from their best against Moldova, they never looked at any danger of losing – but will need to really up their game in Vienna.
Veteran keeper Craig Gordon will no doubt retain his place in goal with a back three of Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley and Kieran Tierney ahead of him.
Skipper Andy Robertson and Stephen O’Donnell appear the obvious picks at full-back after Nathan Patterson and Ryan Fraser both left the squad with injuries – although Clarke could again opt to move Robertson to the right, push Tierney to the left and bring Scott McKenna into the side – with O’Donnell stuck on the bench at Patterson’s expense on Saturday.
Billy Gilmour‘s man of the match display on certain will see the Norwich loanee retain his place with Celtic captain Callum McGregor and John McGinn alongside Gilmour in the middle of the park.
Kevin Nisbet and goalscorer Lyndon Dykes were given the task of breaking down Moldova’s defence but the trip to Austria is likely to see Che Adams partner Dykes instead, with the Hibs striker having to make do with a place among the subs.
Scotland Predicted XI v Austria: Gordon; O’Donnell, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson; McGregor, Gilmour, J McGinn; Adams, Dykes.
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