calmc92

Want a ground where the stands are close to the pitch and tower over it rather than get further back. It would enhance the atmosphere and would be far more intimidating to play in with the loud crowd right on top of you.

Wouldn't say there's too much between Scotland/Slovakia. A few big players can make the difference for each team but I can see us just managing to get over the line tonight with the home advantage. I do think we will need to score atleast 2 though as I can see us conceding quite easily.

Only winding you up. The stats obviously don't lie but I wouldn't always look too much into it. There's so many possible contributing factors that could have an effect on just a basic pass completion percentage. Then there's also what other things they could possibly bring to the team. For example; you were saying about Fletcher's 79% comparing it to Morrison's 88% but you didn't mention Fletcher has played all 630 mins of Stokes 7 PL matches whereas Morrison has only made 4 appearances from West Broms in 7 PL games playing 206 mins, only completing 90 mins once, coming on as a substitute twice and going off as a substitute once. I could argue that Fletcher would be more fatigued which may result in wayward passes nearer the end of the game and would have attempted far more passes. Same kind of argument with Bridcutt etc. he's played his whole career in the championship except from 1-2 seasons with Sunderland where i'm sure he would have been a squad player at best, he's not been able to make the jump in quality to establish himself as a premier league midfielder year after year. He is a solid Championship player no doubt but will never be more than that. So not sure why you think he would make the grade for the international squad. So really, just stating passing percentages is a bit of an unfair way to justify what you're saying.

You would love the film 'Moneyball'

Gordon Tierney Mulgrew Berra Robertson Fletcher Morrison Forrest Snodgrass Phillips Griffiths Maybe not 100% the team I would pick but i'm pretty sure this will be the lineup. Darren Fletcher has to play if we are missing Scott Brown in a game of this importance, you can't underestimate how valuable having someone with his experience will be. Also the fact he is a leader and he won't be fazed by the importance of the match. I'd happily see Fraser start over Forrest but we all know Forrest will start. Can see Snodgrass starting now he's backing playing. Hopefully has a bit of confidence and match sharpness back because he can be a threat but has a big point to prove after the last couple performances. I think the only reason McGregor wasn't called up is because of the amount of players already in that position. I think he is good enough but you can't just go pick lots of the same kind off player. He's no worse than some of them that were already called up, he probably lost out due to his international experience and with it being the last 2 group games so it wouldn't be a surprise he did get game time.

Can't see Strachan taking any risks with the 2 centre midfielders behind the advanced 3. Think he will go for Morrison/McArthur and Fletcher. He seems to love James Forrest although everytime I see him for Scotland, he is pretty terrible and seems to lose possession of the ball on a regular basis without creating anything. Which makes me think he will go with Forrest - Snodgrass - Phillips. Would love to see Fraser but if he won't play him against Lithuania/Malta then can't see him starting on Thursday(similar with McGinn). Hopefully Snoddy has gained a bit confidence back and match sharpness now he's back playing.

"you can only p*ss with the c*ck you've got"

Based on what? Just curious.

I can see why players might not be as match sharp if they aren't starting alot but at this level of football and being well into the season with training daily and still getting game time, you can't then blame a manager for touches that should be bread and butter. Chris Martin had a couple aswell that were noticeable when the ball got fired into his feet.

Over running the ball, taking hefty touches and slack passes is nothing to do with the manager.

Out of interest, what would be your formation and lineup for the game?

4-2-3-1 brings the most balance between attack and defence and turns into a 4-5-1 when you don't have the ball but also lets you attack with 4 when you have it with a confidence that you will always have plenty cover at the back. He's not going to change it now days before the last chance of this campaign, cause if we don't win it's officially over. It's not as if we are actually any better than Slovenia, if anything we are on par with them. A 1-1 draw is actually my correct score prediction although it means we would be out, players like llicic and Kampl would stroll into our team.

Based on last night, I think Burke had an opportunity to cement his place for Sunday but didn't perform and was really frustrating, he obviously has lots of talent and I think playing in Germany will help him develop properly. I think the team will be; Gordon Anya Martin Mulgrew Tierney Armstrong Brown Forrest Cairney Snodgrass Fletcher If he rested the Celtic players for Sunday, I can't see Darren Fletcher starting Sunday after playing last night. Plays every game for West Brom in a more demanding league and demanding style of play. There's no way he wouldn't have gave Armstrong a run out for his first cap if he wasn't in his plans for Sunday after playing so consistently good this season. Forrest or Ritchie will come in for Burke, but with Snodgrass a similar player to Ritchie in the way he plays I think he will go with Forrest for his pace. Cairney looks so good on the ball, gets on it all the time and controls the game from deep but I think with Armstrong coming in deeper, Cairney will go in the hole in the position he gets so many goals and assists from. Martin and Rhodes won't start. Between Fletcher/Griffiths but Fletcher will start when there is so many type of players that can play off him, aswell as having a more physical style of play. Along with the fact he has chose Fletcher over Griffiths countless times.

Man up

Gordon Anya Martin Mulgrew Robertson Fletcher Brown Fraser Snodgrass Burke Griffiths Flip of a coin between Robertson and Tierney. Strachan will probably start Ritchie/Forrest over Burke and use him later on in the game