Belgium v Scotland: James McArthur replaces Scott Brown in starting XI

Published on 16/10/2012 13:43

THERE is only one change to the Scotland team for tonight’s World Cup Group A qualifier against Belgium, with James McArthur drafted in to replace the injured Scott Brown.

• James McArthur starts in midfield for Scotland

• Scotland face strong Belgium team in Brussels tonight - 7.45pm kick-off

• Webchat: Moira Gordon previews the match from 6.45pm

Wigan midfielder McArthur will start a match which Scotland boss Craig Levein admits his side must win following a disappointing 2-1 defeat in Wales on Friday night.

Celtic captain Brown, who has been struggling with a hip injury, came off at half-time in Cardiff and left the squad at the weekend.

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam, who replaced Brown but was criticised for failing to mark Gareth Bale as he unleashed a stunning strike to win three points for Wales, remains on the bench.

Steven Fletcher leads the line again for the Scots in favour of Kenny Miller. The in-form Sunderland striker had a goal disallowed in controversial fashion against Wales, and was instrumental in James Morrison’s opener.

Scotland have won just two points from their opening three matches in Group A, while Belgium are joint leaders with Croatia on seven points after a 3-0 win in Serbia on Friday.

Scotland starting XI:

Allan McGregor

Alan Hutton

Gary Caldwell

Christophe Berra

Danny Fox

Darren Fletcher (c)

James McArthur

James Morrison

Kris Commons

Shaun Maloney

Steven Fletcher

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