Scots double tester

Friday, 02/09/2011

by Malcolm Cox

Craig Levein’s Scottish revolution has coughed and spluttered its way through the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. The upcoming double-header with the Czech Republic and Lithuania will surely decide Scotland’s ultimate fate.

Scotland have so far amassed only four points in a group that Spain are running away with. Second place will secure a play-off match and represents Scotland’s only chance to reach their first major finals since 1996.

Levein has received a massive boost going into the must-win games, in the form of captain, Darren Fletcher. The Manchester United midfielder has been suffering with a mystery virus for the best part of the year, but is now thought to be 100% fit.  With Scotland’s most accomplished player back, there will be no excuses if Scotland haven’t collected at least four points by Wednesday evening.

Having deputised as captain in Fletcher’s absence, Kenny Miller will most likely start both games up front in Levein’s preferred 4-5-1 formation. However, Miller has some tough competition for the starting berth, with Craig Mackail-Smith enjoying a fantastic start at new club Brighton. David Goodwillie will also be pushing for a starting place, although his introduction to the Premier League has yet to deliver any goals.

Scotland’s midfield is looking very strong with both Darren Fletcher and Charlie Adam almost certain to start both matches. Adam has been in fine form for new Liverpool so far this season, so Levein will be hopeful his form continues at Hampden. Sunderland’s Craig Gordon continues to recover from injury, leaving Matt Gilks hopeful of a rare start.

With the Czech Republic match kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, there will be a fantastic atmosphere at Hampden. A defeat will leave Scotland eight points adrift of second place and almost certainly end any hopes of qualification. Victories in both matches will bring Scotland right back into contention and give them their best chance of qualification since the infamous Euro ‘96.

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