Scotland will look to arrest an alarming run of results this weekend as they continue their Nations League campaign with a daunting trip to Portugal.
Thursday’s return to competitive action against Poland saw Scotland begin the new season in the same way their Euro 2024 campaign ended, with the Tartan Army were sent home bitterly disappointed as an injury time winner handed their opponents a last gasp 3-2 victory at Hampden Park.
The result meant Scotland have now officially gone an entire calendar year without a competitive win, having not tasted victory since a 3-0 thumping of Cyprus on 8 September 2023. With the small matter of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal next on the agenda, Steve Clarke must somehow find a way to halt an alarming run of results.
There are selection headaches for the Scottish head coach heading into the clash too. Ben Doak and Lawrence Shankland both impressed off the bench in Thursday’s defeat to Poland, while Clarke could also plot changes in defence too, following the poor performances of both Grant Hanley and Anthony Ralston in midweek. Could he move back to a back three?
Here’s how The Scotsman predict the team will line up against Portugal on Sunday.
9. CAM: Ryan Gauld
He made his international bow off the bench at Hampden during the week, and we are tipping him to start this weekend in the number 10 role. | SNS Group
10. LM: Ryan Christie
Got himself into some nice positions during the week, but his final ball let him down. The Bournemouth attacker has done enough to keep his place though and plays on the left of a narrow three behind the striker. | SNS Group / SFA Photo: SNS Group
11. CF: Lawrence Shankland
He had to be content with a place on the bench Hampden on Thursday as Lyndon Dykes made his Scotland return. The Birmingham City forward was largely ineffective though, whereas Shankland played a part as the team fought back to level the game. We're tipping him to be one of two changes. | SNS Group