Steve Clarke's men are under a bit more pressure than they would have hoped and expected. A heavy 3-0 defeat in Ireland, coupled with the loss to Ukraine in the World Cup play-off, has put more importance on today’s match.
Scotland have to win to ensure they are in the running to win the group when they place Ukraine twice in September as well as welcoming Ireland to Hampden Park. Everyone knows, following qualification to Euro 2020, how important the Nations League can be.
There is also the perception around the national team. Anything other than a win, will intensify the pressure on Clarke and increase the questions around whether he is the man to take Scotland to the next level having brought the national team so far.
He has confirmed there will be changes to the starting XI following Saturday’s shambolic loss to Ireland. Scotland started the game slowly and never found a footing in the match despite two good John McGinn chances in the first half.
Clarke said: “I’ve one or two significant injury doubts that will play a part. I’m not going to say any more than that. I’m also conscious I’ve got to freshen the team a little bit for the fourth game at the end of a long campaign for a lot of the players.”
With that, The Scotsman predicts what the XI could be in Armenia and there could be some surprise inclusions or omissions.
There is also the perception around the national team. Anything other than a win, will intensify the pressure on Clarke and increase the questions around whether he is the man to take Scotland to the next level having brought the national team so far.
5. RWB: Nathan Patterson
Having come back from a long-term injury, the Everton wing-back was given the last 15 minutes against Armenia. Could be restored to the starting XI after Anthony Ralston started the last two. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
6. CM: Billy Gilmour
Another who has not been at 100 per cent. Was off the pace against Ukraine then on the bench for the following two games. Should return to help Scotland dominate in the midfield. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. CM: Callum McGregor
The Celtic captain’s reliability and availability is unrivalled. Has a good relationship with Gilmour in the middle of the pitch. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
8. LWB: Aaron Hickey
Following difficulty on the opposite side against Ukraine, the former Hearts ace could be restored to his preferred position, allowing Steve Clarke to rest captain Andy Robertson who has looked like a man who has played plenty of football at a very high level this campaign. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group