Scotland will attempt to record just their second win in Group A when they travel to Macedonia for their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Gordon Strachan's side suffered a 2-0 defeat to much-fancied Belgium last time out, a result that left them rooted to the bottom of the group. Their only three points in this qualification process came in a surprise 1-0 win over Croatia in June.

Macedonia, meanwhile, currently sit fourth in the group on seven points, but they will enter the match full of confidence following a 2-1 win over Wales last week.

The reverse clash in Glasgow last September ended in a 1-1 draw, but Macedonia have enjoyed recent success on their own patch over Scotland, with a 1-0 win in September 2008.

The hosts could name the same side that overcame Wales on Friday, but Alexander Lazevski is pushing for a start in defence. Goran Pandev will also start despite fears that he could be out of action with a slight muscular injury.

Scotland, however, will be without Charlie Adam and Jordan Rhodes, who have picked up back and hand injuries respectively. That could open the door for Steven Naismith to come into the attack, while Leigh Griffiths is also expected to continue in the final third.

Recent form

Macedonia: LLLWW

Scotland: LLWLL

Possible lineups

Macedonia: Pacovski; Georgievski, Noveski, Ristovski, Sikov; Tasevski, Gilgorov, Ibraimi, Pandev; Trickovski, Kostovski

Scotland: Marshall; Hutton, Mulgrew, Hanley, Martin; Forrest, Snodgrass, Brown, Maloney; Naismith, Griffiths

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Matt Law

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