Scotland Starting Line Up

[Highwayman]

Anybody else think Steve Clarke will go with this starting line against Czech Republic

Marshall

Hendry,McKenna,Tierney

O’Donnel,Robertson

McTominae,McGinn,McGregor

Dykes,Adams

[B.H.F.C]

McKenna won’t play. Think he’s about last pick centre half now.

[Souter96Mac]

Can't see McKenna starting. Reckon he's probably last in the CB pecking order.

[hibee-boys]

I don’t watch much English football, the occasional Man Utd game, but if Mctominay was playing for most other clubs would he be getting talked up as much as he does. Based on mainly Scotland games I just don’t see anything special from him, appreciate that he maybe does all the ‘unseen work’ that my very basic footballing brain doesn’t appreciate but I’d honestly rather see Armstrong/Turnbull or even Gilmour in the middle of the park before him or Mcgregor for that matter🤔

[Vault Boy]

Hanley will very likely be starting and rightly so IMO. Not sure on the keeper, Gordon has as much chance as Marshall I think.

I'd like Gilmour ahead of McGregor and Fraser or Patterson over O'Donnell, but that's just me.

[B.H.F.C]

I don’t watch much English football, the occasional Man Utd game, but if Mctominay was playing for most other clubs would he be getting talked up as much as he does. Based on mainly Scotland games I just don’t see anything special from him, appreciate that he maybe does all the ‘unseen work’ that my very basic footballing brain doesn’t appreciate but I’d honestly rather see Armstrong/Turnbull or even Gilmour in the middle of the park before him or Mcgregor for that matter🤔

McTominay is a good player but I thought he had a bit of a shocker tonight.

He didn’t look comfortable with what he was being asked to do and where he was picking the ball up.

[bingo70]

Anybody else think Steve Clarke will go with this starting line against Czech Republic

Marshall

Hendry,McKenna,Tierney

O’Donnel,Robertson

McTominae,McGinn,McGregor

Dykes,Adams

I don’t think you’re far off it there.

Hanley will start of McKenna I think.

I can’t really be bothered with all the hype about Gilmore considering his lack of first team football and the fact I’ve not seen him much. I have to admit I was very impressed with him today though, combine that with Mcginn being very effective in an attacking role for Scotland i’d be tempted to bring Gilmore in for Dykes and push Mcginn up a bit.

I don’t think Clarke will do that though.

[Lancs Harp]

I don’t watch much English football, the occasional Man Utd game, but if Mctominay was playing for most other clubs would he be getting talked up as much as he does. Based on mainly Scotland games I just don’t see anything special from him, appreciate that he maybe does all the ‘unseen work’ that my very basic footballing brain doesn’t appreciate but I’d honestly rather see Armstrong/Turnbull or even Gilmour in the middle of the park before him or Mcgregor for that matter🤔

I think McTominay has had a fantastic season for United. He'd be one of the first names on the team sheet for me for Scotland (Im Engllish that isnt tongue in check btw but an honest assessment) he can be a bit rash but hes a great enforcer and has no mean ability. With SJM thats a half decent midfield.Not sure Gilmour is ready yet but things look promising in that dept for Scotland.

[Keyser Sauzee]

Marshall or Gordon in goals, think it’s a toss up between them.

Cooper should be starting in the centre of a 3 with Teirney left and Hendry right.

Robertson and Patterson wing backs

Midfield 3 of Gilmour, McGinn and McTominay

Dykes and Adams up front.

[Billy Whizz]

No Cooper or Christie on the bench today, is that a sign that both will start
Christie hasn’t had a good season at Celtic, and I must admit I’ve hardly seen Cooper play to comment on him
This was the team when we beat Czech Republic at Hampden in October

1Marshall
4McTominay
5Gallagher
23Considine
2O'Donnell
8Jack
10McGregor
18Taylor
7McGinn
9Dykes
17Fraser

[neil7908]

Marshall or Gordon in goals, think it’s a toss up between them.

Cooper should be starting in the centre of a 3 with Teirney left and Hendry right.

Robertson and Patterson wing backs

Midfield 3 of Gilmour, McGinn and McTominay

Dykes and Adams up front.

Like this team.

[bingo70]

Marshall or Gordon in goals, think it’s a toss up between them.

Cooper should be starting in the centre of a 3 with Teirney left and Hendry right.

Robertson and Patterson wing backs

Midfield 3 of Gilmour, McGinn and McTominay

Dykes and Adams up front.

I’m not saying you’re wrong but do you think he will play 2 up front? I’m not sure.

If he doesn’t and he plays Mcginn in a more advanced sort of number 10 role, who’s the next midfielder in the queue? I think the fans would say Gilmore as he’s a bit exciting but I wonder if he’d go for Armstrong instead.

[Brummie_Hibs]

Gordon
Tierney
Cooper
Hendry
O'Donnell
Robertson
Gilmour
McGinn
McTominay
Adams
Nisbet

[B.H.F.C]

I’m not saying you’re wrong but do you think he will play 2 up front? I’m not sure.

If he doesn’t and he plays Mcginn in a more advanced sort of number 10 role, who’s the next midfielder in the queue? I think the fans would say Gilmore as he’s a bit exciting but I wonder if he’d go for Armstrong instead.

He might not go with Dykes and Adams but, if he doesn’t, I think he’ll play Christie. I wouldn’t, think he would though. Armstrong rarely starts for him.

[Fergus52]

The team I'd play:

Gordon
McTominay-Cooper-Tierney
Forrest-McGregor-McGinn-Robertson
Armstrong
Adams-Fraser

The team I think Clarke will play:

Marshall
Hendry-Hanley-Tierney
O'Donnel-McTominay-McGregor-Robertson
McGinn
Dykes-Adams

[bingo70]

He might not go with Dykes and Adams but, if he doesn’t, I think he’ll play Christie. I wouldn’t, think he would though. Armstrong rarely starts for him.

Mctominay and Mcgregor deeper midfielders, Christie and Mcginn more advanced behind Adams?

[JohnM1875]

It might not be popular because of who he plays for and the amount of game time he's had etc. But I thought Patterson was really good tonight.

I'd definitely have him over O'Donnell and if it's down to who I'd want as a wing back between Patterson and Forrest, Patterson wins for me.

[Lancs Harp]

Scotland wont be on the front foot for much of the three group games. The key game is the first match against the Czech Republic, not the emotional fixture against England. Three points could see a third place finish and qualification into the knock out stage. Clarke will pick a team dependant on the situation and opposition.

[bingo70]

It might not be popular because of who he plays for and the amount of game time he's had etc. But I thought Patterson was really good tonight.

I'd definitely have him over O'Donnell and if it's down to who I'd want as a wing back between Patterson and Forrest, Patterson wins for me.

The problem with Patterson is that I don’t think he’s ever been tested defensively.

O’Donnell looks like a big huddy but he’s never let Scotland down. Patterson hasn’t played much first team football at all, looks like a. Decent prospect but I’m not sure I’d play him.

[hibsbollah]

Clark likes Hanley, he’ll start. Their centre forward Schick is a big lump who likes knock downs and scoring from set pieces. I think Clark will play conservative in the opening game, both teams will play 451 or similar. Personally looking at their poor form Id go for the jugular with an attacking lineup and get the three points.

[JohnM1875]

The problem with Patterson is that I don’t think he’s ever been tested defensively.

O’Donnell looks like a big huddy but he’s never let Scotland down. Patterson hasn’t played much first team football at all, looks like a. Decent prospect but I’m not sure I’d play him.

Aw definitely. I actually quite like O'Donnell as well if I'm honest. And I 100% understand starting him over Patterson, and why Clarke will do that.

I suppose it's a lot like Doig starting over Stevenson for us this season. Sometimes you just need to play the player who gives the team more options.

[WHAM]

Decent run out tonight but there were a few players who I thought gave lower performances than normal. I didn’t think the midfield were very good at all 1st half ....McGinn and McTominay rushing things and giving the ball away cheaply.. (McGinn particularly poor tonight). Have no idea how McGregor kept his place in the team either.

But I suppose it was a fairly difficult opposition with lots of changes from the Dutch game. Its unlikely the players were going full pelt either with one eye firmly on the opening match.

I really like Armstrong as I think he’s the one player who likes to carry the ball forward from midfield and make things happen. But not sure if Clarke can fit him into his 1st eleven.

A lot of difficult choices to make for Clarke as Turnbull/Gilmour have done their chances no harm...whilst Patterson looks a different Level to O’Donnell with the ball at his feet and going forward. But like others have said, Patterson hasn’t been tested much defensively this year.

I would play Patterson as it would be great having good options to play out with and move forward on both flanks.

But I think Clarke will start O’Donnell as he has more experience and we know Clarke likes to play cautiously,

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Hiber-nation]

I think it might be

Marshall
Hanley
Cooper
Tierney
O'Donnell
McTominay
MacGregor
McGinn
Robertson
Christie
Dykes

So many options though if things aren't going to plan. McGregor and Christie are not playing well but are clearly Clarke favourites. I have an awful feeling that Gilmour will be kept on the bench then brought in for the Croatia game when we need to win, shades of Souness in '78!

[Hulk1875]

Gordon
Tierney
Cooper
Hendry
O'Donnell
Robertson
Gilmour
McGinn
McTominay
Adams
Nisbet

I got some good quality in there but also players with potential and if they live up that it’s a great team

[1van Sprou7e]

I want

-----------------------Marshall
------------Hendry---Cooper---Tierney
Patterson--McTom--Gilmour--McGinn--Robbo
----------------Adams---Nisbet/Dykes

Though I think McGregor and O'Donnell will probably start I'd prefer we were brave, I think Gilmour and Patterson are better players

Sub in Armstrong if McTom is having an off day, which seems to be fairly often according to man utd fans

[1van Sprou7e]

Clark likes Hanley, he’ll start. Their centre forward Schick is a big lump who likes knock downs and scoring from set pieces. I think Clark will play conservative in the opening game, both teams will play 451 or similar. Personally looking at their poor form Id go for the jugular with an attacking lineup and get the three points.

Pretty sure we've played 3 at the back in every game under Clarke, he ain't changing that now

[JimBHibees]

I think it might be

Marshall
Hanley
Cooper
Tierney
O'Donnell
McTominay
MacGregor
McGinn
Robertson
Christie
Dykes

So many options though if things aren't going to plan. McGregor and Christie are not playing well but are clearly Clarke favourites. I have an awful feeling that Gilmour will be kept on the bench then brought in for the Croatia game when we need to win, shades of Souness in '78!

I think that is the team apart from Hendry and possibly Hanley in the middle. Definitely think Christie will play off Dykes. Think we miss a Jack type of player with defensive nous in the midfield area. Think we need to remember how good we were against Serbia. We need McTominay to be very good as personally would have kept him in central defence.

[hibsbollah]

Pretty sure we've played 3 at the back in every game under Clarke, he ain't changing that now

Yeah but when you want to be conservative three at the back quickly becomes five at the back and then you end up dropping the second striker deep as well. I just think he’ll want to shut up shop, hope I’m wrong.

[WeeRussell]

I wouldn’t be surprised or too disappointed if tonight’s starting lineup is the one he goes with. He seems keen on playing the two strikers, so hopefully he continues with their physicality against Czech.

Mctominay was probably man u’s best player in their last game (not for first time this season), has in the main been very good for Scotland, and will definitely start. I wouldn’t have McKenna near the starting lineup. And I think he’ll go with Marshall too.

[Iain G]

I wouldn’t be surprised or too disappointed if tonight’s starting lineup is the one he goes with. He seems keen on playing the two strikers, so hopefully he continues with their physicality against Czech.

Mctominay was probably man u’s best player in their last game (not for first time this season), has in the main been very good for Scotland, and will definitely start. I wouldn’t have McKenna near the starting lineup. And I think he’ll go with Marshall too.

There is no way he won't go for Marshall in goal, after his heroics in qualifying and the poor showing my Gordon against the Dutch.

We do need a better upcoming option in goal sooner rather than later though.

[Calidad]

Does anyone like Turnbull?

[flash]

The good thing is we have genuine options now all over the park, probably for the first time in years.
Genuinely excited to see how we get on.

[scoopyboy]

Does anybody think he might start numbers 1 to 11?

[Brightside]

Gilmour has to play if he’s fit.

[flash]

Gilmour has to play if he’s fit.

I would start Gilmour. Also Liam Cooper at the back. Not sure about up front as the two don't seem to compliment each others style.

[Iain G]

Does anyone like Turnbull?

I think we should allow Steve Clark the opportunity to manage at the finals before bringing Eddie in 😁

[Brummie_Hibs]

Does anyone like Turnbull?
He looks a prospect, but not the head turner that Gilmour has been, so not yet there enough to be considered for starting 11

He was at fault for Holland first goal.

[Hiber-nation]

There is no way he won't go for Marshall in goal, after his heroics in qualifying and the poor showing my Gordon against the Dutch.

We do need a better upcoming option in goal sooner rather than later though.

Agree. Gordon's been up against the likes of Morton, Alloa and Arbroath all season. Think I'd be hiding behind the settee if Harry Kane was lining one up against him.

[KeithTheHibby]

Agree. Gordon's been up against the likes of Morton, Alloa and Arbroath all season. Think I'd be hiding behind the settee if Harry Kane was lining one up against him.

He hid last time he was up against Harry Kane, was caught like a rabbit in the headlights for his equaliser against us a couple of years back.

[CapitalGreen]

A midfield 3 made up from a combination of McTominay, McGinn, McGregor and/or Gimour lacks a bit of creative spark for me and all of them (with maybe McGinn being an exception) are better suited playing deeper.

I’d play a back 3. Cooper, Tierney plus 1 other at centre back.
Forrest and Robertson as wing backs.
A central midfield 4 in a diamond shape - McTominay sitting, then Armstrong and McGinn with Turnbull/Christie advanced.
Che Adams up front.

[CJHibby]

McTominay as well as John McGinn are good players allied to flair/creative players. Right now Billy Gilmour is that player but will Steve Clarke play our younger guys or just stick with the old guard?? I say give youth a chance but I'm just a supporter..

[MartinfaePorty]

The team I'd play:

Gordon
McTominay-Cooper-Tierney
Forrest-McGregor-McGinn-Robertson
Armstrong
Adams-Fraser

The team I think Clarke will play:

Marshall
Hendry-Hanley-Tierney
O'Donnel-McTominay-McGregor-Robertson
McGinn
Dykes-Adams

I think you're spot on with the starting 11, which I think might change for the England game (depending on the Czech result), with a forward dropping out and Armstrong or Gilmour coming in to push McGinn further up.

[number9dream]

Yup. I think Fergus52 has got Clarke's opening selection spot on.
The Czechs have problems in central defence, so I reckon two strikers makes sense.
An extra midfielder (Armstrong or Christie) will come in to bolster the side at Wembley.
If we are chasing something against Croatia, then we might see Gilmour and Patterson start.

[bingo70]

Probably not relevant to the original point of the thread but I just want to add that I’m absolutely buzzing about these Euros starting on Friday.

I’m quite a miserable ******* so I did wonder how excited I’d get once the time came but it’s fair to say I’m needing scraped off the ceiling this week.

Really think Scotland could do ok, that’s probably my first mistake though.

[1van Sprou7e]

A midfield 3 made up from a combination of McTominay, McGinn, McGregor and/or Gimour lacks a bit of creative spark for me and all of them (with maybe McGinn being an exception) are better suited playing deeper.

I’d play a back 3. Cooper, Tierney plus 1 other at centre back.
Forrest and Robertson as wing backs.
A central midfield 4 in a diamond shape - McTominay sitting, then Armstrong and McGinn with Turnbull/Christie advanced.
Che Adams up front.

Mctominay isn't really a holding midfielder, he's best box to box

[JimBHibees]

He hid last time he was up against Harry Kane, was caught like a rabbit in the headlights for his equaliser against us a couple of years back.

Yep to be honest all the blame was put on Armstrong however think Gordon was equally if not more to blame for that goal. Would actually prefer McLaughlin to him if anything happened to Marshall.

[JimBHibees]

Mctominay isn't really a holding midfielder, he's best box to box

Not sure we have a holding midfielder

[1van Sprou7e]

Not sure we have a holding midfielder

McGregor and Gilmour are good in the deep lying playmaker role, one of them will need to be on the pitch at any given minute

[Fergus52]

McGregor and Gilmour are good in the deep lying playmaker role, one of them will need to be on the pitch at any given minute

Definitely.

McGregor has had a few poor games for Scotland, but he's the only midfielder we have with the agility to play on the half turn in tight spaces, and the composure to always retain the ball under a high press. McTominay has the latter, but turns very slowly making him unsuited to being the primary out-ball for the defense. McGinn can play well on the half turn, but isn't really suited to being the midfielder who sits deep, recycling the ball and setting the tempo. Gilmour will take over this role soon, but is probably not ready to be a starter at the euros yet.

The game recently where McGinn and McTominay were the two deeper midfielders, our ball progression through the midfield when in transition was terrible and we resorted to punting it long to Dykes even more than usual. Both are best as box to box 8s: doing a lot of running, pressing high and receiving the ball already facing play, higher up the pitch. They don't work that well in a double pivot together imo, and when McGregor doesn't play, our already poor ball retention and possession build up is even worse than usual.

McTominay and McGinn have both been very effective for Scotland at centre back and at number 10 respectively, so having one of them next to McGregor and the other playing out of position is the way to go I think.

[hibsbollah]

Does anyone like Turnbull?

I think he’s class. Not sure Clark will start him but he has Scott Allans eye for a pass plus a good engine.

[CMurdoch]

He looks a prospect, but not the head turner that Gilmour has been, so not yet there enough to be considered for starting 11

He was at fault for Holland first goal.

Gilmour was a head turner playing as the extra man against 10 player minnows.
He looked good but with no pressure on the ball so it wasn't a test to base anything on.
His time will come but now is a little early.

[Andy74]

The problem with Patterson is that I don’t think he’s ever been tested defensively.

O’Donnell looks like a big huddy but he’s never let Scotland down. Patterson hasn’t played much first team football at all, looks like a. Decent prospect but I’m not sure I’d play him.

The times he was tested last night he looked like he was running backwards against their forwards. Looked fine with the ball at his feet running forward but suspect defending.

[Billy Whizz]

The times he was tested last night he looked like he was running backwards against their forwards. Looked fine with the ball at his feet running forward but suspect defending.

To be fair to him, don’t think he’s played for 5/6 weeks
My Rangers supporting friend, thinks he’ll play a wee bit further forward than Tavernier next season

[1875Sean]

I’d like

Marshall
Cooper-Hanley Tierney
Patterson-McTominay-Gilmour-Robertson
McGinn
Adams-Armstrong

The team I think Clarke will play:

Marshall
Hendry-Hanley-Tierney
O'Donnel-McTominay-McGregor-Robertson
McGinn
Dykes-Christie

[ekhibee]

Gilmour was a head turner playing as the extra man against 10 player minnows.
He looked good but with no pressure on the ball so it wasn't a test to base anything on.
His time will come but now is a little early.

Gilmour was only on for half an hour but was still the best player on the park. He's a brilliant talent, and I'd love to see him playing in the Euros.

[EI255]

Can't see McKenna starting. Reckon he's probably last in the CB pecking order.Agreed.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

[JammyDoidger]

Marshall

Hendry
Gallagher
Tierney

Forrest/fraser
Armstrong
Mctominay
Mcginn
Robertson

Dykes
Adams

[one day maybe...]

Like to see....

Marshall

Hendry
Cooper
Tierney

Forrest
McGinn
McGregor
McTominay
Robertson

Fraser

Adams

Be happy with this

[CJHibby]

I think Gilmour must be utilised at the Euros. He plays for a massive team in Chelsea so no worries in being over phased. I suspect Clarke may fall into the old trap of formerly cautious Scots' managers though and not play him. Even Southgate seems to be reluctant to play Grealish for England...remember Glen Hoddle?!:no way:

[ancient hibee]

I would take a chance on starting Nisbet. In the two friendlies he's shown that he is the calmest in front of goals of the three and the way he played Turnbull in shows he has the quick feet needed at that level.Hopefully Adams and Dykes have got the misses out of their systems .If the ground is fast Dykes looks out of his depth because he doesn't have the ball control.
Gilmour should also start. I thought against Holland McGregor was constantly caught in possession and looked as if he'd played too much football.As an oldie Gilmour reminded me of Bobby Johnstone in the way that,without being quick, he was always in space and away from opponents.

[JimBHibees]

I think Gilmour must be utilised at the Euros. He plays for a massive team in Chelsea so no worries in being over phased. I suspect Clarke may fall into the old trap of formerly cautious Scots' managers though and not play him. Even Southgate seems to be reluctant to play Grealish for England...remember Glen Hoddle?!:no way:

He's signed for Chelsea not a regular player for them talented as he is.

[CJHibby]

He isn't a guaranteed starter for Chelsea but should be for Scotland in the upcoming tournament...he's got that little bit of je ne sais quoi that can make a big difference.

[1875Sean]

Does anyone like Turnbull?

Does anyone else think he’s overrated? Decent player but dont get the hype

[JOD]

Let's no get carried away here.
We struggled to beat Israel many times. Portugal destroyed them tonight. Rocky not too good either. We really need a reality check. These young guys can maybe get cameo appearances in this tournament that's all. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[AgentDaleCooper]

Let's no get carried away here.
We struggled to beat Israel many times. Portugal destroyed them tonight. Rocky not too good either. We really need a reality check. These young guys can maybe get cameo appearances in this tournament that's all. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

the other way of looking at it is that it's the old heads who have routinely struggled to put teams like Israel to bed :dunno:

[Brooster]

It's a pity Dykes needs 20 chances to score 1 goal because the service Scotland strikers are getting at the moment is different class. I would also have Gilmour in before McGregor or Christie.

[500miles]

It's a pity Dykes needs 20 chances to score 1 goal because the service Scotland strikers are getting at the moment is different class. I would also have Gilmour in before McGregor or Christie.

To be fair, I thought he caused more problems than Che Adams did, and made Adams' goal easy. If we were playing one up front with Fraser in behind, Dykes starts every time.

[Brooster]

To be fair, I thought he caused more problems than Che Adams did, and made Adams' goal easy. If we were playing one up front with Fraser in behind, Dykes starts every time.

He kept missing the target with easy headers, he isn't a goalscorer in my opinion. Saying that I hope he scores plenty.

[jacomo]

Let's no get carried away here.
We struggled to beat Israel many times. Portugal destroyed them tonight. Rocky not too good either. We really need a reality check. These young guys can maybe get cameo appearances in this tournament that's all. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿


Sadly, I agree with you.

Loving the optimism but the group stage will be a much sterner test. Chances will be at a premium, no one is going to play an open game and allow Scotland an easy ride.

[CJHibby]

Jod/Jacamo..have to totally disagree with you. Lots of international football is stuffy and a talent like Mr. Gilmour should be allowed to flourish.

[WeeRussell]

To be fair, I thought he caused more problems than Che Adams did, and made Adams' goal easy. If we were playing one up front with Fraser in behind, Dykes starts every time.

I don’t think he does. Adams is now the first striker and from all the evidence I’ve seen, is a better player than Dykes.

[JimBHibees]

I don’t think he does. Adams is now the first striker and from all the evidence I’ve seen, is a better player than Dykes.

Can't see Dykes not starting and actually think Adams won't start and Christie will play off the front.

[WeeRussell]

Can't see Dykes not starting and actually think Adams won't start and Christie will play off the front.

Time will tell pal 👍

[ancient hibee]

Adams control of the ball is far superior to Dykes and at this level you can't have a combination of chances missed and ball last. Dykes had a chance early on and actually ran into the ball and wasted it.Nisbet is far calmer in front of goal as he showed against Holland and should play a part.Christie hasn't shown much-too much football like McGregor?