THE MONDAY JURY
SCOTLAND managed to score one from 16 shots against Moldova. Who should get the nod to go for goals in Austria?
Let’s be bold here. Go with Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams playing off him. Dykes has to play anyway as he’s the best at holding it up and bringing others into play.
A draw keeps us in it, without a doubt, but a win would put us in the driving seat. I hope Clarke has enough faith in his players to go for it.
Without a doubt. Clarke might feel that Stephen O’Donnell is stronger defensively but there’s not much in it. And Patterson is a much greater attacking threat.
The criticism has been fair because two wins in 10, since qualifying for the Euros, isn’t good enough. Some of his team selections have been bizarre and he really has to do better.
It’s a pity Steve Clarke can’t call on Ally McCoist to swap his commentary position for the No.9 shirt, so it has to be Adams and Dykes.
It’s a three-horse race between ourselves, Israel and Austria for second spot, so a win would inject genuine hope it can be achieved. A draw wouldn’t be the end of the world but it’s about time we took a big scalp on our travels.
The Rangers teenager was excellent and his attacking intent was a real weapon against Moldova. He can be a huge asset against Austria and should start again.
The SFA have rightly backed Clarke with a new deal, which takes him through to 2024. We all need to get behind him as he’s the best option we have and isn’t blessed with world-class quality at the business end of his squad.
Dykes got the crucial goal on Saturday and he deserves another crack in Vienna. There wasn’t much wrong with Scotland’s attacking play the other night but we can’t afford to be as wasteful this time around.
A win would put Scotland in a superb position to secure second spot but a draw wouldn’t be a disaster. It looks like us, Austria plus Israel are all going to fight it out and end up taking points off each other.
Yes. Patterson is now the man in possession of the jersey and the position.
The recent record might not be much to write home about but don’t forget where Scotland have come from. Clarke got us to the Euros and there’s life left in this campaign. He deserves our support.
Dykes and Adams. Kevin Nisbet should have had two assists at Hampden on Saturday yet struggled to make an impression at times. Adams wasn’t at his best when he came on but I’d give him another go alongside Dykes.
SCOTLAND’S qualification hopes are on the line in Vienna. Is it win or bust? Or is a draw enough to maintain play-off hopes?
Victory would certainly put us in a much better position. Fail to pick up three points and you might be left having to beat the dazzling Danes in the final match to have any hope.
NATHAN PATTERSON was a huge plus for Scotland in his first start against Moldova. Should he keep his place against Austria?
Without question. The Rangers kid is as comfortable going forward as he is defending and gives us better balance in the side.
THE critics are having a go at Steve Clarke for the quality of recent displays but should the Tartan Army cut him some slack?
Team selections have looked odd at times but injuries as well as Covid complications have hampered the Scotland boss. Judge him on results when his squad is at full strength.