How Scotland Could Line-up To Face Moldova

Tomorrow evening Scotland will face Moldova in their second World Cup Qualifier of the week. A comfortable win is expected and the pressure is on especially after Wednesday's underwhelming performance against the Danes. However, as we know with Scotland these games where the pressure is on and they are expected to win don't always go to plan. Playing Georgie in Tibilisi, Kazakhstan away and Lithuania at Hampden spring to mind from recent memory but all Tartan Army faithful will be aware that the list of Scotland horror shows goes on for decades. Due to this Steve Clarke needs to get the line-up right, so what 11 will he pick to try and avoid a shock?

The System

The formation Scotland played against Denmark via BBC Sport

In terms of the formation, Scotland will play tomorrow it would be fair to assume that Clarke will stay with his favoured 3-5-2. The Scotland boss has been fairly reluctant to change from the 3 at the back and in a must-win game against Moldova, I can't see him replacing it. However, I do think the midfield will be slightly more positive. As you can see against Denmark there were no natural attacking midfielders but when going for the goals against tomorrow's opposition I can't see the former Killie man excluding that link between the midfield and attack, particularly when Scotland have struggled for goals in recent internationals- most notably the Euros.

Starting XI

Tomorrow's line-up is tough to predict as it is a must-win game but against lesser opposition, because of this I can see Steve Clarke mixing a strong team with the gamble of a few rotational options in there. I think Hearts stopper, Craig Gordon will stay in goal, the 38-year-old has had an impressive start to the season for the most part and it looks like he has fallen into favour with Steve Clarke as the Scotland number 1.

The back 3 of Tierney, Hanley and Cooper would be a strong one and I think that's needed as Scotland really exposed some defensive frailties against Denmark. A clean sheet tomorrow would be expected but there is no doubt it would build confidence within that backline at least to some extent. Andrew Robertson really struggled at RWB against Denmark and with O'Donnell and Patterson back there is no reason the skipper shouldn't be playing in his favoured position once again. For me, Nathan Patterson has got to get that opportunity to finally make his first start. Yes, the youngster hasn't had too much playing time this season but his quality is undeniable and he has impressed in his cameo appearances for the national team.

Moving onto the midfield now, Ferguson is one of those aforementioned rotational options and tomorrow could be an opportunity to not only rest McGregor who has relentlessly played at the start of the season but also to let the Aberdeen star show his quality. The 22-year-old is clearly gifted on the ball and the stats show with an 85% pass accuracy whilst completing 1.0 key passes (passes leading to shots) per 90. Next to him, I'd have Gilmour. The Norwich loanee had a decent second half against Denmark and all Scotland fans know his ability by now, as well as this when there is such a young talent it's just good to build up experience by playing on an international stage. I'd have McGinn playing ahead in an attacking midfield role, the Villa man is now out of isolation and has been prolific for Steve Clarke. McGinn has shown before that he is perfect for this role which mixes his physicality and drive with finishing ability and creativity.

Another rotational option I have in the side is Kevin Nisbet. The Hibs striker is another player out of isolation and when not injured has looked good this season. I can see Nisbet coming into his own in the environment of the Scotland camp. When at Hibs up until now (when the window has ended) he has been faced with constant transfer talk whereas when playing for Scotland that pressure of club football is gone and he can gel with the different range of strikers that Clarke has at his disposal. Next to him, I've got Che Adams. The Southampton striker plays at the highest level out of all of the centre-forwards and according to Sofascore's ratings has had a very solid start to the season. Assisting once against Everton and positively getting involved in the other two EPL games.

I think the line-up above should get the Scots a comfortable win. Whether Steve Clarke rotates ahead of Austria like I have predicted or plays the strongest possible starting eleven waits to be seen. Either way, you'd hope Scotland get the three points but with the national team, you never know...