Following a surprising yet deserved point earned against Denmark, Steve Clarke's Scotland faces a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Belarus. The game, relocated to Hungary, presents a different challenge than the encounter in Copenhagen. Belarus, reeling from a 5-1 defeat to Greece, will be eager to prove themselves, making a win imperative for Scotland's qualification hopes.
The draw against Denmark showcased Scotland's resilience and tactical flexibility. After a shaky start, the team grew into the match, demonstrating solid defensive organization and glimpses of attacking threat. Key players like Angus Gunn, Grant Hanley, Aaron Hickey, and John McGinn delivered standout performances, contributing to a cohesive team effort. The 4-4-2 formation, while effective in stifling Denmark's attacking prowess, may require adjustments for the upcoming match against Belarus.
The challenge for Clarke lies in striking the right balance between maintaining consistency and injecting fresh energy into the squad. The physical and mental toll of the Denmark game, coupled with limited playing time for some players, necessitates careful consideration of team selection. Should Clarke stick with the same lineup that secured a valuable point, or should he introduce changes to exploit Belarus's vulnerabilities?
Former Scotland striker and BBC pundit Steven Thompson suggests a blend of continuity and tactical tweaks. He emphasizes the need to freshen up the squad due to the exertion in the Denmark match. While praising Gunn's commanding presence in goal and the solid defensive unit, Thompson raises concerns about Hanley's ability to play again so soon, and Hickey's lack of match fitness.
Thompson proposes the inclusion of Ben Gannon-Doak and Billy Gilmour, believing the latter is certain to start. He also lauds McGinn's performance against Denmark, describing it as his best in a Scotland jersey in a while. Furthermore, Thompson advocates for Kieron Bowie to be given an opportunity, citing his impressive start to the season with Hibs and his all-round striker qualities.
Ultimately, Clarke's decision will hinge on his assessment of the players' physical condition, the tactical requirements of the match, and his faith in the squad. While he may be tempted to stick with a winning formula, the need for fresh legs and a more attacking approach against Belarus could prompt him to make changes. The match presents an opportunity for Scotland to build on their positive start to the World Cup qualifying campaign and solidify their position in the group.
Here is the image of the Tactics board:
