The Scotland manager has stood by a tried and now trusted defensive formula which allows him to pair Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson in the same side, and one which is built around a partnership in the central area between Tierney, Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry.
The trio complement one another in Clarke’s favoured style but a spanner has been thrown in the works by Hanley’s suspension.
Who will replace him could have a knock-on effect fruther forward – and that’s without mentioning the right-back quandry with Stephen O’Donnell and Nathan Patterson both vying for a role having both impressed on their most recent outings.
It is an important game in the section and with half a dozen Scotland walking a suspension tightrope, there is plenty to occupy the manager before he turns his thoughts to a flight to the Faroe Islands.
Here’s one way he could line up against Israel for the key World Cup qualifier. But will he, and would you?
9. MC - Billy Gilmour
Can Steve Clarke, in full conscience, leave out Gilmour and his prodigious talent? Unlikely. Has run the show in most of his recent appearances for the national side and will continue to do so while becoming as established as Tierney, Robertson and McGinn. Photo: Ian MacNicol
10. CF - Che Adams
Another who's work-rate aids his selection and gives opposition plenty of problems - just ask the Austrian defence. Powerful runs, clever movement allied with strength and skill in attack put him ahead of impact options like Ryan Fraser and Ryan Christie off the bench. Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
11. ST - Lyndon Dykes
Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but has the stats to back up his selection. A real handful for defenders with a decent one-in-four goal record at international level and strength to hold up play, drop into the channels or act as a target man. Photo: Ian MacNicol