Gordon Strachan will aim for a perfect start to Scotland's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign when they travel to Malta on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

The Scotland boss knows trickier ties lie ahead, with England, Slovakia, Slovenia and Lithuania also in Group F.

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

But after becoming the only home nations side to miss out on Euro 2016, an away trip to Malta gives Scotland a great opportunity to start this new two-year cycle with a win.

They will begin their road to Russia without former captain Scott Brown, who retired from international duty earlier this month.

Scotland have failed to start a qualifying campaign with a win in the last four attempts, drawing and losing two apiece.

Team news

Lee Wallace was forced to withdraw from the squad on Friday with a muscle problem, despite only being called up three days before, along with Hearts forward Tony Watt.

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The Rangers captain's absence means Hull City's Andy Robertson is the only recognised left-back in the squad.

Injuries to Celtic duo Leigh Griffiths and Kieran Tierney meant they were removed from the original squad, while midfielders James McArthur and Kevin McDonald did not travel either.

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Stats

Scotland have failed to qualify for the last 9 major tournaments since 1998 World Cup in France.

Scotland are yet to face Malta this century, having last played them in a 1997 friendly, with the Tartan Army winning 3-2.

Scotland have won 4 of last 16 competitive away games (D3 L9).

Malta are ranked 176th in latest FIFA World Rankings - their lowest ever position.

Malta have won 2 of 92 World Cup Qualifiers (D9 L81) and have never won a WCQ home game (D8 L38).

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