The Scotland manager has stood by a tried and now trusted defensive formula which allows him to pair Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson in the same side, and one which is built around a partnership in the central area between Tierney, Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry.
The trio complement one another in Clarke’s favoured style but a spanner has been thrown in the works by Hanley’s suspension.
Who will replace him could have a knock-on effect fruther forward – and that’s without mentioning the right-back quandry with Stephen O’Donnell and Nathan Patterson both vying for a role having both impressed on their most recent outings.
It is an important game in the section and with half a dozen Scotland walking a suspension tightrope, there is plenty to occupy the manager before he turns his thoughts to a flight to the Faroe Islands.
Here’s one way he could line up against Israel for the key World Cup qualifier. But will he, and would you?
5. DC - Liam Cooper
An able deputy for Grant Hanley in the central position. A figurehead for Leeds at club level Cooper can slot in without problem and hold the backline together allowing the shape and personnel to remain largely consistent despite the ban.
Photo: MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN
6. LCB - Kieran Tierney
Another first pick when available. His understanding with Robertson on the wing and charges through the middle have discomfited many of Scotland's opponents and as a steadfast defender and rampaging attacker with runs from deep, he's a key player.
Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. MC - John McGinn
No show without Punch and the Tartan Army's hero will be front and centre of all Scotland's hopes be it in the middle of the park or slighty more advanced linking up the attacks with his usual buzz-bomb work-rate.
Photo: Christian Hofer
8. MC - Callum McGregor
Aftre shaking off his injury issues at Celtic McGregor is likely to get he nod over Scott McTominay who will, Clarke will hope, be able to shore up the game from the bench in midfield or defence and see out a win. As one of Scotland's first picks when fit, McGregor will be high in his considerations.
Photo: Ian MacNicol