Sky Live: Scotland v Slovenia: Craig Gordon, Scott Brown set to return
Sunday 26 March 2017 18:58, UK
Gordan Strachan is set to restore a string of players to his starting line-up in Scotland's crunch World Cup Qualifier against Slovenia on Sunday - live on Sky.
Scotland's hopes of reaching Russia 2018 dangle by a thread after a haul of just four points from their first four Group F games but victory against second-placed Slovenia would keep alive faint hopes of a play-off spot as one of the eight best group runners-up.
Issuing a rallying his players, Strachan - who looks set to turn to a Celtic contingent at Hampden - said: "There's no grey areas to it. It's must-win. That's dealing with reality. We have to win.
Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers
"But sometimes when you have a challenge like that in life, it brings the best out of you. We will have a team ready for that challenge of 'must-win' tomorrow."
If Scotland cannot find the victory which will keep their qualifying campaign alive at least until June's showdown with England, Strachan's four-year reign could come to an end.
But the former Celtic boss shrugged off talk about his own position, saying: "My only concern right at the moment is three points and getting to Russia - that is it."
Team news
Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, Scott Brown, James Forrest and Stuart Armstrong are all set to start after sitting out against Canada at Easter Road.
However, Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser and West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison may not play after missing Wednesday's 1-1 draw due to injury.
Strachan told reporters at his pre-match press conference he knows his team - but admitted he has pondered the right-back spot, despite Ikechi Anya's solid displays against England and Canada.
"Wasn't he good in the England game and the [Canada] game the other night there? He was full of enthusiasm, excited the crowd when he came forward," Strachan said.
"But we have other options. I picked 'Kech' against England for certain reasons so you have to look at the opposition and look at see what the best side is for that game.
"What we have done is pick a team that is feeling good about themselves."
Slovenia's squad includes Hearts defender Andraz Struna, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kevin Kampl.
Opta stats
These two nations have met three times on the international stage, with Scotland winning once and drawing the other two.
Scotland's victory came in a World Cup 2006 Qualifier in October 2005, with current captain Darren Fletcher opening the scoring in a 3-0 win.
Scotland have lost just one of last seven home qualifiers (W4 D2), losing 3-2 to current World Cup holders Germany in September 2015.
However, Scotland have lost their last two competitive games by a 3-0 scoreline, both away to Slovakia and England.
Scotland have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 competitive matches, a 6-0 win at Gibraltar.
Slovenia are unbeaten in their last seven international games (W3 D4), their best run since November 2001 (eight games unbeaten).
However, the Slovenians have only won one of their last seven international away matches (D4 L2), a 1-0 win in November against Malta.
Matt Ritchie has found the net in two of his last three appearances at Hampden Park, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 v Denmark in Scotland's last home win.
Charlie's prediction
My message to Gordon Strachan is simple - be bold.
If Scotland take a cautious approach, as Gordon has hinted they might, then I think they will struggle.
Slovenia are strong, they don't need to go for it as they are well placed behind England in the group, they can sit back and if Scotland don't get a good start wait for the crowd to get on the players' backs - and they will!
I want to see Scotland be adventurous from the first whistle as it's a must-win match. If they don't turn up for this game then it could be Gordon's last in charge as I'm sure he'll be asked to leave.
I expect to see Strachan make five or six changes to the side that drew with Canada in midweek.
I'd be looking at playing a 3-4-3 with Steven Fletcher, Robert Snodgrass and Leigh Griffiths up front with Fulham's Tom Cairney and Stuart Armstrong in midfield this would provide a real attacking intent.
Armstrong's a must for me. He's the best player in Scotland right now and if he starts I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't score.
Whatever Scotland do they must be aggressive and bold but I fear they won't and that's why I'm going for a draw.
Charlie predicts: 1-1 with Stuart Armstrong scoring first at 35/1 with Sky Bet
Betting
The Scots sit second bottom in Group F but are 13/10 favourites with Sky Bet to pick up a crucial three points at home to second-placed Slovenia. The visitors can be backed at 12/5 with a draw on offer at 2/1. Steven Naismith was on target for the hosts in their midweek friendly against Canada and he is 8/1 to open the scoring on this occasion and 3/1 in the anytime market.
