Scotland’s national football team is facing a tough challenge as they head to Portugal for their Nations League group match. With just one win in their last 13 matches, the team is struggling to find their form and secure victories. Facing a star-studded Portuguese side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes, Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, is under pressure to make the right decisions and turn their fortunes around. In this article, we’ll address some key questions and concerns surrounding the team’s performance and the choices Clarke must make.
**Back five or back four?**
One of the main questions surrounding Scotland’s tactics is whether Clarke will opt for a back five or a back four formation. While Clarke usually favors a variation of a five-back formation, Scotland lined up with a back four against Poland. The absence of key players like Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, and Nathan Patterson due to injury raises uncertainty about the team’s defensive setup. Former Scotland manager Craig Levein suggests that playing a back five with Robertson and Tierney on the same side could be a solution. However, without Tierney, the team may struggle to replicate the same setup. Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton believes that the current personnel doesn’t lend itself well to a back five, especially lacking a right-sided wing-back. Meanwhile, former Scotland center-half Willie Miller suggests a three-center-back formation to provide more defensive stability. Ultimately, Clarke’s decision will play a crucial role in determining Scotland’s defensive strategy against Portugal.
**Does Gunn keep his gloves?**
Another area of concern for Scotland is the goalkeeper position. Angus Gunn is currently the team’s number one goalkeeper, with Zander Clark called up as an alternative to Craig Gordon. However, Gunn’s recent performances, including conceding 10 goals in the last four matches, have raised doubts about his suitability for the role. Craig Levein believes that Craig Gordon is the best goalkeeper Scotland has and suggests that his inclusion could bring calmness to the team. Leanne Crichton also questions Gunn’s performances, mentioning his lack of anticipation and agility. She suggests that it might be time for Clarke to consider a change in goalkeepers, with Zander Clark being a viable option.
**Is Clarke still the man for the job?**
Despite Scotland’s recent struggles, there is still confidence in Steve Clarke’s ability to lead the team. Clarke has successfully guided Scotland to back-to-back European Championship qualifications, a significant achievement for the national team. However, performances over the past year, including a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, have raised questions about his suitability for the role. Craig Levein believes that Clarke is the right person for the job, highlighting the players’ commitment and effort. Leanne Crichton echoes this sentiment, stating that Clarke’s remit is to qualify for major tournaments, and he has already achieved that goal. Willie Miller suggests that the players are still on Clarke’s side and that he should be given the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup. Despite the challenges, it seems that Clarke still has the support of the panel.
In conclusion, Scotland’s national team faces a daunting task against Portugal, and Steve Clarke must make critical decisions regarding tactics and team selection. The choice between a back five or a back four formation, the goalkeeper position, and the confidence in Clarke’s leadership are all key concerns. While opinions may differ on these matters, it is clear that Scotland needs a strong performance to turn their fortunes around. Only time will tell if Clarke’s decisions and the team’s efforts will lead to a positive outcome against Portugal and future success for the national team.