Scotland XI v Norway: The key decisions facing Steve Clarke, Che Adams injury, stopping Erling Haaland

Scotland take their 100 per cent record to Oslo on Saturday in what is going to be a crucial fixture in their pursuit of Euro 2024 qualification.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has a few decisions to make ahead of the Norway match. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

A win or draw would be a huge result, maintaining a five-point advantage over Norway or opening up an eight-point lead going into a home match with Georgia at Hampden Park on Tuesday night. Steve Clarke named a 26-strong squad for the double header but there are a number of selection posers he is faced with.

Who replaces Adams?

Perhaps the biggest question coming into the Norway match, just who starts instead of Che Adams? Clarke’s message was crystal clear: Scotland have plenty of quality in reserve. “It's always disappointing when you lose key players but you tend to get used to it,” he said. “You name a squad and you're losing key players all the time, so disappointing for Che. But a chance for Kevin Nisbet to come back into the squad. Kevin's a goal scorer, we know the qualities he brings us. He’s been in the squad before. Lawrence is in the squad. Same qualities, can score goals and don’t forget we’ve got Lyndon as well. I thought he was really good in the game against Spain. We’ve got enough quality up front.”

Scotland will be without Che Adams against Norway and Georgia. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Scotland have two strikers in Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet who are coming into the squad with fine scoring records this past season. In reality, however, Dykes is certain to be the starting forward. He’s been a hugely reliable focal point since deciding to become a Scotland international. His goal-scoring record is solid and he is a man for producing big moments. Clarke likes players he trusts and Dykes certainly falls into that category, while he knows he will be able to turn to Shankland and/or Nisbet if needing a goal.

The midfield make-up

There can be few doubts that the midfield will be set up with two deeper central players with two more in advanced roles to support Dykes, flanked by Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson. On paper, this is one of the trickier assessments in the group for Scotland. Therefore it would be a surprise if Clarke changed it up from the 2-0 win over Spain. Callum McGregor, a guaranteed starter for his country now, was joined by Scott McTominay. The Manchester United star produced a man of the match performance with two goals. Another guaranteed starter when fit has been John McGinn. He will take up an attacking midfield role. There are a number of options for the other position, including Stuart Armstrong and Lewis Ferguson but Ryan Christie is a favourite with his technical ability and excellent work-rate.

Defensive three

Well, Kieran Tierney will start. That there are no doubts. Following his performances against Cyprus and Spain, Ryan Porteous has put himself in undroppable territory. Therefore the big decision will be the player who replaces Grant Hanley in the middle of the three-man defence. Scott McKenna would step in but he's also unavailable. The likelihood is it will be between Jack Hendry and Liam Cooper. The former has been a preferred option for Clarke. Hendry had a difficult club season but started the final two matches for Club Brugge. It would mean a quick and powerful back three up against Erling Haaland.

Probable line-up: Gunn; Porteous, Hendry, Tierney; Hickey, McTominay, McGregor, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Dykes.