Talking points ahead of Hampden clash

WILL TARTAN ARMY HAVE SOMETHING TO CHEER?

1 Scotland are looking for their first win over England at Hampden since 1985 when a Richard Gough header was enough to secure a 1-0 win and the Rous Cup. Gordon Strachan’s side are seeking to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup. The Scots need a positive result on Saturday to keep hopes of reaching Russia in 2018 alive, but will Gordon Strachan’s side deliver in the best way possible, against the Auld Enemy?

WHAT FORMATION WILL ENGLAND ADOPT?

2 Gareth Southgate’s permanent reign started with a defeat, yet the manner of the performance against world champions Germany captured the English public’s imagination. England’s threeman defence worked well in Dortmund, as did the attackers’ intensity and pressing. It took a Lukas Podolski wonder-strike to separate the sides and days later England reverted to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 for the unsurprisingly comfortable qualifying win against Lithuania. Given the options at his disposal, will Southgate see fit to adopt the 3-4-3 again?

HOW WILL SCOTT BROWN PERFORM?

3 Much of the focus in the run-up to today’s match has been on Scotland skipper Scott Brown, back in the fold after a short retirement from international football. Former England midfielder Paul Scholes opened the debate when he claimed that the Celtic captain would not have the influence in the Premier League that he has had in Scotland. Ex-england captain Terry Butcher sprang to Brown’s defence saying he could still cut it at the top in English football even at the age of 31. Consequently, the former Hibernian player’s battle with the England midfield will be an interesting sub-plot in what will be a frantic encounter.

WHO WILL LEAD THE LINE FOR SCOTLAND?

4 Leigh Griffiths was one of six Celtic players who started the Group F qualifier against Slovenia at Hampden Park in March. However, the striker passed up a couple of good chances to put the home side ahead, twice hitting the woodwork, before he went off early in the second half with a back injury, still looking for his first goal in dark blue in 12 appearances. Derby striker Chris Martin came off the bench after the break to replace James Morrison and popped up with a last-gasp winner. His height could also come in handy at set-pieces against a team who has its fair share of six foot-plus players.