How confident are you Scotland will beat Ukraine on Wednesday to set up a World Cup winner takes all clash with Wales?
DAVID McCARTHY: Very. This is a very good Scotland side which knows each other inside out and has a settled style of play that carries a threat at the top end of the pitch, Ukraine’s preparation, for obvious and terrible reasons, has been poor and Scotland have to take the emotion out of the situation and win the game.
FRASER WILSON: Not overly, but then that’s more to do with our recent World Cup record than this current Scotland side. Kieran Tierney is a massive loss and removes one of our main threats but with a rocking Hampden at their backs Scotland still have enough quality to get through. Stopping Yarmolenko and Zinchenko will be the absolute key.
MICHAEL GANNON: More mildly optimist. Scotland are in superb form and we know Ukraine’s problems. It’s going to be a nerve shredder and wouldn’t be surprised if we need to strap in for spot kicks.
ANDY NEWPORT: Very. This Scotland side has proved repeatedly over the last couple of years it can handle the big occasion and I’ve no doubt they can do it again. Injuries to Kieran Tierney and Ryan Jack are a blow but we’ve got enough strength and depth to handle Ukraine.
And while we’re at it, name your team to take on Ukraine.
DAVID: (3-4-1-2): Gordon; McTominay, Hanley, McKenna; O’Donnell, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson; McGinn; Dykes, Adams
FRASER: Stick to as close to the side that beat Denmark as possible. Gordon, Souttar, Hanley, Cooper, O’Donnell, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson, McGinn, Adams, Dykes.
MICHAEL: Gordon, McTominay, Hanley, McKenna, Ralston, McGregor, Gilmour, McGinn, Robertson, Christie, Dykes.
ANDY: Gordon; Cooper, Hanley, McTominay; Hickey, Gilmour, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Adams, Dykes.
How big a loss is the withdrawal of Ryan Jack from the squad?
DAVID: I don’t think he would have started but it’s a blow to be without him should anything happen to McGregor or Gilmour. As Jack showed in the Scottish Cup final, he can make an impact off the bench.
FRASER: It’s a blow for the player more than the squad and that’s nothing against Jack who is a top operator and was absolutely superb in the last play-off victory in Serbia. But it’s an area of the park where Scotland are blessed with options.
MICHAEL: It’s a blow as we saw how well he worked with McGregor in the Serbia playoff. It’s just as well the midfield area is strong for Scotland though.
ANDY: Big but manageable. Steve Clarke is a huge fan of the Rangers midfielder but with Callum McGregor and Billy Gilmour available we’ve got plenty of cover in the centre of the park.
Hibs have signed Scotland keeper David Marshall...can he get back to challenging Craig Gordon for the national team gloves?
DAVID: First, he’s a great signing for Hibs. But with Gordon in his current form, Marshall may have to wait a while to get back into the Scotland team.
FRASER: Yes. Marshall has two years on Gordon and if, as expected, he makes the Hibs spot his own then prepare for an Edinburgh glove rivalry like never before which can only be good news for Steve Clarke.
MICHAEL: No doubt. Marshall has never let Scotland down and there would be no fears chucking him the gloves if the chance arose.
ANDY: Marshall has been a top servant to Scotland down the years but there’s no shifting Gordon in current form.
