Scotland travel to Brussels on Tuesday knowing that a defeat to Group A leaders Belgium would all but end their World Cup qualification hopes.

The Tartan Army's chances were seriously dented on Friday when two late goals from Gareth Bale saw them slump to a 2-1 defeat against Wales in Cardiff.

That loss left them fifth in the table with two points from their opening three matches.

In that respect, the last team that they would want to be facing is Belgium.

Marc Wilmots's side are one of the emerging forces in European football, boasting a number of Premier League stars including Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini and Eden Hazard.

Two wins and a draw from their first three fixtures has seen them top the group on goal difference ahead of Croatia.

The Scots will be without Scott Brown, James Forrest and Andy Webster, while Steven Naismith will serve out his two-match suspension. Cardiff City's Don Cowie has been called up to the squad.

Belgium have no new injury concerns for the game at the Stade Roi Baudouin.

Current form:

Belgium: DLWWDW
Scotland: DLWDDL

Possible lineups:

Belgium: Courtois; Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Kompany; Witsel, Hazard, De Bruyne, Dembele; Benteke, Chadli

Scotland: McGregor; Hutton, Berra, Caldwell, Fox; Maloney, D Fletcher, Adam, Morrison; Commons, S Fletcher

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Written by
Jack Prescott

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