Scotland assistant manager John Carver was the eternal optimist when he spoke to the media in the build-up to the Nations League clash with Croatia. As it stands, Steve Clarke’s men have picked up just the one point from the four games so far in a tough group that consists of Portugal, Croatia and Poland. Qualifying for the top tier of the competition was impressive but the truth is the Tartan Army are much more comfortable in the second tier where they can actually win games. Here, we preview the game and look at the Scotland predicted lineup.
Scotland are currently on a run of just one victory from the last sixteen matches, a friendly win over Gibraltar before the pain of our poor performances at the European Championships in Germany engulfed all of us.
Granted, the quality of opposition that Scotland have come up against has undoubtedly contributed to that poor run of results, but the reality is they have lost the sense of excitement and anticipation in the build-up to Scotland games that was so evident before the Euros.
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Scotland Predicted Lineup vs Croatia: Tartan Army More Comfortable in Second Tier
Limited Chances Against Quality Opposition
John Carver maintains that Scotland have shown that we are narrowing the gap with the top teams and just need to take the next step and record a win. He insists the belief is still there that even though they are bottom of the group, two wins in our final two games (Poland away is up next) would give us the chance to finish second if other results go their way.
In much the same way as players will always want to go up against the best players, managers and coaches also want to test themselves against the elite. Carver’s observation that when competing in the top tier of the Nations League, it showed that you get limited chances and that if capitalised on, it’s the difference between a win and a defeat.
Home Wins Proving Hard to Come By
Scotland proved to be tough opposition for Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal side in their last outing so how will Steve Clarke approach this one against an impressive Croatia? A home win would get the Tartan Army back onside given they haven’t had a victory to cheer about at Hampden in the last six games.
Croatia? Having started with a defeat in Portugal and then a home win over Poland, the 2023 Nations League runners-up have taken seven points so far, putting them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout phase again.
Can Scotland Keep Out Croatia LikeThey Did Against Portugal?
In the absence of Angus Gunn, 41-year-old Craig Gordon should again take his place, a remarkable feat for any man, especially one who had to contend with a double leg break just 2 years ago.
In front of him, the Scots could deny the Croats just as much as they did against the Portuguese. He doesn’t get much game time at Celtic, but Tony Ralston started against Portugal and played well. He has competition from Nicky Devlin who is having a terrific season under new boss Jimmy Thelin but given how loyal Clarke is to his players, Ralston should get the nod.
John Souttar and Grant Hanley formed the central defensive partnership against Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and Francisco Conceicao so they will retain their places too. Andy Robertson will captain the side again in his usual left-back role.
Fascinating Midfield Contest
Sitting in front of the back four, Billy Gilmour and Kenny McLean struck up a disciplined partnership in our last Hampden outing and should do so again in this one. Gilmour receives the ball anywhere and is at his best when able to make a killer pass.
One of the great positives for Steve Clarke is the impact that both Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have made in Italy with Napoli. Currently sitting at the top of Serie A, it’ll be a fascinating encounter in midfield to see them going up against the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. McTominay is a terrific goal threat from the middle of the park and will be looking to add to the eleven scored for his country to date.
Scotland Predicted Lineup: Ben Doak, a Tremendous Prospect
In the wider areas, it would be exciting for the home fans to see Ben Doak play from the start. He’s a tremendous prospect and it was a great pity that he missed out on the Euros through injury. But since signing for Middlesbrough on loan from Liverpool he has stayed fit and struck up a good understanding with club and country teammate Tommy Conway. One thing Scotland has lacked in recent years has been genuine pace in the last third of the pitch. Doak has this in abundance and his first thought is always to take on his immediate opponent.
In general, Clarke will be pleased that injuries have eased, and he welcomes the return of Jack Hendry, John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong to his squad. Striker Che Adams misses out though, just as he did when Juventus won the derby last weekend against his Torino side.
That gives Tommy Conway, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland the chance to lead the line. Both Dykes and Shankland are struggling for form, Dykes yet to get off the mark for Birmingham while Shankland has lost his form with just one goal so far for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, a far cry from his 33-goal haul last season.
Conway is at least scoring for Middlesbrough with five goals to date in the competitive English Championship. Loyalty to the players has been a big part of Clarke’s management but maybe the untried Conway from the start of the game can be his best option for this one. Clarke is adamant that Scotland are improving against the very best and maybe the fans would disagree. A home win here would be the perfect proof.
Scotland Predicted Lineup vs Croatia
GK Gordon
RB Ralston
CB Souttar
CB Hanley
LB Robertson
DM Gilmour
DM McLean
AM Doak
AM McTominay
AM McGinn
ST Conway
