As for the visitors, while Russia might find the mood in their camp at a high, Scotland find themselves in the midst of a crisis. With any chance of securing a spot out of Group I this year appearing to be off the table, Steve Clarke s side are coming under increasing scrutiny. Humiliated by Belgium in their 4-0 hammering at Hampden last time out, the former Kilmarnock boss now sees his side enduring a three-match losing run, including their defeat against Russia in their previous meeting. Collecting just six points out of a possible 18 and sat only ahead of whipping boys San Marino, a huge part of the Tartan Army s continued issues has been their defensive struggles. Thursday s guests have shipped nine goals in their last three appearances and have recorded just a single clean sheet since the 17th of November. There is also no doubt that Clarke will be desperate to improve on his side s form on their travels. Scotland have lost five of their last seven matches on the road, including a 3-0 hammering away at Kazakhstan back in March.
Team News
Mikey Devlin and Charlie Mulgrew are expected to start in central defence, and one of Johnny Russell, Oli Burke or Lawrence Shankland who has been called up to the squad for the first time will lead the line in attack.
Key Factors to Consider
