Scotland face a date with destiny at a sold-out Hampden Park as they bid to reach the World Cup finals.
The Tartan Army will pack out the national stadium in the hope of roaring their heroes over the line against Denmark after a lifeline on Saturday night.
Steve Clarke and his troops lost out 3-2 to Greece on the road, but a shock 2-2 draw between the Danes and Belarus means it is all to play for.
Tuesday night in Glasgow’s south side could prove historic for Scotland if they can beat Denmark and land top spot in the group.
They have a play-off spot secured, but it is a cup final in Mount Florida with Scotland knowing they must win to head for the biggest show in football.
Scotland Team News
Nations League – Group Stage – Scotland v Croatia – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 15, 2024 Scotland manager Steve Clarke talks to Billy Gilmour REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Craig Gordon looks set to retain the gloves after coming in from the cold in Greece.
He’s not featured at club level for Hearts, but the 42-year-old made a number of big saves in Athens.
It’s a winner-takes-all occasion and that could tempt Clarke into putting in another striker alongside Che Adams.
Lawrence Shankland is bang in form at Hearts with George Hirst and Lyndon Dykes the other options.
Billy Gilmour will miss out after the Napoli star failed to recover from injury
Steve Clarke Drops Team News Update
Speaking on Monday ahead of the game, Clarke said:
“No, Billy didn’t make it. He is still suffering from his injuries.
“Everyone else is fit and ready to go.”
Scotland Predicted XI
- Scotland Predicted XI: Gordon; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; McGinn, McTominay; Christie, Adams, Doak; Dykes.
Denmark Team News
Denmark face a nervous couple of days with boss Brian Riemer revealing a sickness bug in the camp.
Joachim Andersen and Rasmus Hojlund are among the doubts for the Danes after missing the 2-2 draw with Belarus due to illness.
Celtic’s No.1 Kasper Schmeichel – no stranger to Hampden with outings at club level – will be a face familiar to Scottish football fans.
Brian Riemer Issues Team News Update
The Denmark boss – speaking via the Daily Record— revealed a sickness bug in his camp ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Glasgow
“Well, right now we have Joachim Andersen, who is sick, and we have Hojlund, who is sick. And a staff member who is sick. And then there have been some who have had a few minor things, but it’s nothing that worries us.
“We are in a situation where the doctor is on it. It is the season for such things. You can’t protect yourself 100 percent, but we are doing everything we can and right now our hope and assessment is that we have put a plug in that part of it, and that on Tuesday we have 24 men who are fit for fight and ready to play
“Is it a worry ahead of Scotland? Yes, if you ask me if I would have wished that there had been no illness today, and that there also wasn’t on Tuesday, then of course that’s the answer. But that’s a natural part of it.
“There are many things you don’t know. There are also many things we don’t know about Scotland. It’s the season for such things, and therefore we just have to take it as it comes. There is also a difference between having a little and being able to play well, and then lying in bed.
“There are many factors here, and right now we are assuming that our assessment is that we are ready for Tuesday with all men.
“But I can’t tell you what the situation is right now. We are looking at it continuously and right now we are positive.”