Scotland Predicted XI: Steve Clarke’s possible starting line-up for Euro 2020 play-off vs Serbia

Scotland face their biggest match in recent times on Thursday as they take on Serbia for a place in next summer’s European Championship.

The Scots, who will qualify for their first major tournament since 1998 with a victory in Belgrade, are on an eight-match unbeaten run which stretches back to October 2019.

In that run, Steve Clarke’s side defeated Israel on penalties at Hampden Park last month to book their spot in this winner takes all contest.

So which players will the Tartan Army boss task with sealing the country’s qualification to a first European Championship since 1996..?

Here we predict Scotland’s starting XI to take on Serbia…

Goalkeeper:

David Marshall has been in fantastic form during the Scots’ recent fine run of form. Although the experienced Craig Gordon is back in the squad, there is no doubt that the Derby County keeper will win his 40th cap in Belgrade.

Defenders:

Clarke will stick to his favoured 3-5-2 in this one as he looks to make the most of the talent he has in his squad. Although not a defender for his club, we expect Manchester United’s Scott McTominay to start in the back-three. Alongside the Red Devil, Motherwell defender Declan Gallagher should win his sixth cap after recent showings, while Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, who missed out in the last round of fixtures due to Covid-19 procedures, will slot in as a left sided centre-back.

Midfielders:

Starting with the easy decision on the left-flank and skipper Andrew Robertson will once again be charging up and down in the wing-back position for his side. On the opposite side to the Liverpool star, we expect Liam Palmer, who also missed last month’s matches, to return to the side in favour of Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell. In the middle, in-form Aston Villa man John McGinn and Celtic’s Callum McGregor will be tasked with making those match-winning passes. Meanwhile, Ryan Jack of Rangers could sit as a defensive midfielder and will be responsible for breaking up play.

Forwards:

It will be a difficult decision for Clarke as to who to choose in attack but – on recent form – he will definitely opt for Lyndon Dykes. The QPR striker has two goals in his last four international appearances and has put in a string of impressive displays. At 6ft 2in, the 25-year-old is a real presence up top, capable of holding the ball and linking with teammates. Supporting Dykes is expected to be Ryan Christie who, despite Celtic’s indifferent form, has been playing well. A third international goal in as many games for the Christie would be most welcome in Belgrade.

Predicted Scotland XI: Marshall; McTominay, Gallagher, Tierney; Palmer; Jack, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Christie, Dykes.