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After their 2-1 defeat to Croatia at the weekend, Steve Clarke’s Scotland side return to Hampden Park aiming halt their worst run of defeats since 2019 as they welcome Portugal in the Nations League this Tuesday.
A first-half goal from Ryan Christie had put Scotland into a surprise lead, but an immediate equaliser from Igor Matanović followed by a second-half Andrej Kramarić strike stretched Scotland winless run to seven games in Zagreb.
Bottom of Nations League Group A1, the Tartan Army face a daunting task as they host a Portuguese side that have won all three of their opening group games. Sitting top of the group, goals from Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and a Jan Bednarek own goal handed them a comfortable 3-1 win over Poland on Saturday.
Clarke has called on his players to “keep believing they are on the right path,” ahead of the game, adding: “At some stage they will get the rub of the green. We will get a bounce of the ball, we will get a break and things will change.”
The Scotsman has predicted how we think Scotland will line up, with plenty of talking points surrounding selection ahead of the game. Do you agree with our line up?
1. GK: Craig Gordon
The Hearts stopper will pick up his 77th cap against Portugal at Hampden Park. | SNS Group
2. RB: Anthony Ralston
Faces pressure from Aberdeen's Nicky Devlin for his place, but Steve Clarke is likely to keep faith with the Celtic full-back due to his experience at international level. | SNS Group
3. CB: John Souttar
The Rangers centre-back was restored to the starting XI against Croatia and will continue in central-defence for Scotland's return to Hampden. | SNS Group
4. CB: Grant Hanley
A favourite of Steve Clarke, the Norwich City man will play at the heart of defence. | SNS Group