AFTER a disappointing result against Ukraine, Scotland must return to form at Hampden Park for an important opening Nations League fixture against Armenia.
Ahead of this fixture, it is important to know who to watch out for in a squad that will be relatively unknown to Scottish fans.
You may know the name of Armenia’s top international goal scorer Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the current Roma man announced retirement from the national team in March of this year.
Joaquín Caparros’ men defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their opening game of the campaign despite losing 9-0 to Norway just a few months ago, so it is important to know that they are a team in transition.
Last time out, Armenia boasted a 5-3-2 formation similar to what Steve Clarke often employs, meaning there could be several straight positional battles.
One of the key figures is Eduard Spertsyan and it was his strike from distance that beat Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in Armenia on Saturday.
Spertsyan was part of the midfield three, so it will be crucial that someone like Billy Gilmour closes him down as quickly as possible.
Gilmour had a fairly poor game against Ukraine, often being bypassed in the build-up, so he must pick himself up heading into this key fixture.
The Republic of Ireland lost in Armenia despite having more shots and having 68 per cent of possession, and with Clarke usually hoping to control the ball and play it short, Scotland could be exposed to a similar fate if they are caught on the break.
Although Scotland’s defensive line-up may change, one man to hold his place will likely be Grant Hanley.
Hanley was once out of favour, but since the Euros campaign, he has gained a new lease of life and became a favourite for Clarke.
The Norwich City man could be up against 28-year-old Tigran Barseghyan, a left-winger who was deployed as part of the front two against Ireland.
Although he has a somewhat unimpressive eight goals from 47 appearances – which makes him the top scorer in the squad - he is still one to watch out for.
As much as Scotland should maintain a high press, the defence must be sure to not let their men go missing behind them or they will suffer the consequences.
At the other end of the park, Armenia have one of their most capped players in the squad in central defender Varazdat Haroyan.
He stands at around 6ft 1in, so will provide an aerial battle against Scotland's likely leading striker Che Adams.
Adams will have to use his skill on the ball to get past the large frame imposing on him, and coming short or finding a link-up pass could be his best option.
After a lacklustre performance from Aaron Hickey when he was forced to play out of position against Ukraine, it is up in the air who might start out wide on the right for Scotland.
As a result, tricky midfielder Kamo Hovhannisyan must be ready for whatever comes at him, whether it be Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, or Stephen O’Donnell.
