Scotland opened their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a 3-0 win over Cyprus at Hampden Park on Saturday - and will look to keep momentum going against Spain.
The scoreline was convincing in the end but there will need to be vast improvement when the Spainish arrive at the national stadium, and Steve Clarke's men have lost just once from their last 17 home internationals and have proved they can match some of Europe's top guns under the lights. Spain also got their road to Germany off to flyer by defeating Norway also by a three goal deficit to set up a pulsating clash in Glasgow.
Clarke's substitute bench came to the rescue to secure the points against the Cypriots as Scott McTominay bagged a brace late on, while Ryan Christie, Nathan Patterson and Lyndon Dykes all made impressive cases to have a place in the starting XI. One of the places certainly up for grabs is in centre midfield. Ryan Jack started alongside Callum McGregor on matchday one however McTominay's two goals coupled with his drive and experience for Manchester United could force his manager's hand into at least one alteration.
Stuart Armstrong was perhaps a surprise inclusion against Cyprus, although Clarke seems to trust the Southampton playmaker. Whilst John McGinn is a stick on to play as he continues to excel to a different level while donning the dark blue shirt. In goals, Angus Gunn earned a Scotland debut last time out and the Norwich stopper was kept relatively quiet, keeping a clean sheet in the process. It's expected that the number one jersey is now his to lose.
The defence looks fairly steady, with Clarke likely to continue with the back five used against Cyprus which comprised of Aaron Hickey, Ryan Porteous, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney and captain Andrew Robertson. Patterson could argue his case for the right-back slot but Brentford man Hickey has barely put a foot wrong. Celtic defender Anthony Ralston won't be involved again after picking up a knock and returning to his club for treatment.
Elsewhere, up front Dykes is predicted to start up front after Che Adams had to withdraw from the squad through injury. Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has been drafted in as a replacement but despite his prolific form in the Scottish Premiership this season, he will probably play his part from the bench.
Predicted Scotland XI
Goalkeepers
Zander Clark (Heart of Midlothian)
Angus Gunn (Norwich City)
Liam Kelly (Motherwell)
Defenders
Liam Cooper (Leeds United)
Grant Hanley (Norwich City)
Dominic Hyam (Blackburn Rovers)
Aaron Hickey (Brentford)
Nathan Patterson (Everton)
Ryan Porteous (Watford)
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Midfielders
Stuart Armstrong (Southampton)
Billy Gilmour (Brighton)
Lewis Ferguson (Bologna)
Ryan Jack (Rangers)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Callum McGregor (Celtic)
Kenny McLean (Norwich City)
Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
Forwards
Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)
Jacob Brown (Stoke City)
Ryan Christie (Bournemouth)
Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers)
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