From this, Scotland have carried momentum into their World Cup qualifiers, claiming impressive wins over Slovakia and Czech Republic in their next two fixtures. It wasn’t the result, though, that was most encouragement. It was the way Scotland’s players seemingly finally absorbed the ideas of their manager.
The back three system looks a good fit for the group Clarke has at his disposal, with Andy Considine proving himself on the left side and Scott McTominay as the one to carry the ball out from the back on the right. Ryan Jack has been deployed to great effect as the midfield anchor behind the likes of Callum McGregor and John McGinn.
Undoubtedly the biggest success story of the last two international breaks, though, has been the integration of Lyndon Dykes. The Australia-born striker was handed his first Scotland call-up for September’s international break and has very quickly proved himself as the ideal man to lead the line in Clarke’s system - he is against Serbia.
Scotland could still use a runner around Dykes to make the most of his hold-up play and knock downs, and this is where a fit again Leigh Griffiths could come in, but the Queens Park Rangers forward is more than just a targetman to hit with long balls. He offers cutting edge, as he has shown with goals against Czech Republic and Slovakia, and appears to relish the pressure of being Scotland’s main man up top.
Another penalty shootout might well be on the cards (). While Scotland’s recent form is strong, they have scored just twice in their last three games. They have, however, won their last two away matches (against Czech Republic and Cyprus). Serbia will present a tougher test in terms of their individual quality, but this is a team without a win at home in their last three outings. Their last home victory was a narrow 3-2 win over Luxembourg.
Ryan Fraser will be missed, with the Newcastle United midfielder showing signs of an understanding with Dykes in the wins over Slovakia and Czech Republic. In Fraser’s absence, Clarke must make sure Dykes isn’t left isolated, even if Scotland spend much of the game defending and holding form in their own half.
Scotland will need to ride their luck to get past Serbia, but they are at least in a position to earn some of their own luck. There is good reason to believe they can get the job done. Not since 1998 have Scotland been at a major tournament, but that’s because they weren’t ready to make the climb up to such a stage. Now, they appear ready.
Odds correct at 0945 GMT (10/11/20)
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