Strachan seeks a rare double

If Scotland follow Friday’s victory over Lithuania in Vilnius with a win against Malta at Hampden tonight, Gordon Strachan’s men will put an end to a remarkable and melancholy sequence. It is 10 years since a Scotland side won both games of a qualifying double-header, in September 2007, when Alex Mcleish’s team beat Lithuania 3-1 at home and France 1-0 in Paris.

This evening’s task is notionally much easier for Gordon Strachan and his squad but bitter experience teaches that the Scots often struggle against opponents who sit deep, as the Maltese undoubtedly will. Malta trailed England by a single goal until four minutes from the end of normal time in the Ta’ Qali Stadium on Friday, and the Tartan Army should be ready for a slog.

Strachan said: “It will need patience to find areas where to play at a high tempo. [Malta] are well coached, they have pride playing for their country.” There is a temptation to field the same side who started in the 3-0 win in Vilnius but Strachan hinted at changes. He said: “There are players in our squad who have played 10 games and some who have played two, so you have to take that into consideration with back-to-back games.” Scotland (probable, 4-2-3-1): Gordon; Anya, Berra, Mulgrew, Robertson; Mcarthur, Brown; Ritchie, Phillips, Armstrong; Griffiths.

Referee Jakob Kehlet (Denmark). Kick-off 7.45pm TV Sky Sports Football.