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Scotland team news vs Kazakhstan: Predicted line up – Left-back crisis, striker dilemma
SCOTLAND have a number of selection issues to worry about ahead of their opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan (3pm).
Scotland train ahead of Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan
Scotland manager Alex McLeish has a selection headache prior to his side’s first Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan.
Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson will not feature due to dental surgery while Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney misses out with a hip problem.
Hoops midfielder Callum McGregor will captain the side in Robertson’s absence but Jordan Archer, Barry Bannan and Charlie Mulgrew have all dropped out of the squad.
Meanwhile, Callum Paterson and Ryan Fraser are not set to be involved after concerns over the artificial playing surface in Astana.
Allan McGregor’s recent retirement and Craig Gordan’s dip in form has left the goalkeeper spot up for grabs and Celtic stopper Scott Bain looks set to get the nod in Kazakhstan.
Kilmarnock right-back Stephen O’Donnell should start alongside David Bates and Scott McKenna if McLeish opts for a flat back four.
Ryan Christie is injured so Aston Villa ace John McGinn and Manchester United youngster Scott McTominay could come into midfield to partner McGregor.
Meanwhile, Oliver Burke and Johnny Russell are in contention to start on the left wing with Fraser not risked.
James Forrest should get the nod on the opposite flank but there is still uncertainty over who will lead the attack.
Leigh Griffiths remains unavailable while Steven Fletcher and Steven Naismith are both injured so Oli McBurnie is expected to play centrally.
However, Burke may move inside while Marc McNulty is another option after seven goals in nine games for Hibernian.
Scotland are next in action against San Marino on Sunday and will hope for six points from their opening two fixtures in order to progress from a group also containing Russia, Cyprus and Belgium.
Scotland predicted line-up vs Kazakhstan – Euro 2020 qualifier
(4-5-1): Bain; O’Donnell, Bates, McKenna, Shinnie; Forrest, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Burke; McBurnie