Scotland vs Belarus Tips: McTominay to inspire Tartan Army
Scotland's dreams of a first World Cup appearance since 1998 are now starting to look more than realistic as they prepare to tackle Group C minnows Belarus at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Steve Clarke's side staged something of an unlikely come-from-behind win against Greece in Glasgow on Thursday, leaving the Tartan Army with seven points from three games thus far in the four-team section - joint top alongside Denmark.
With Belarus in Glasgow, while Greece visit Copenhagen, Scotland know they could be within touching distance of next summer's World Cup if they take care of business now.
Last month the Scots were 2-0 winners against Belarus in Hungary - behind closed doors - and they should be good enough to secure another success with the Hampden roar behind them.
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The Scots have some reshuffling to do. Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson scored the two crucial goals that allowed the home side turn around a second-half deficit against Greece, but both were subsequently carded and will serve suspensions against Belarus.
Clarke also confirmed Brentford right-back Aaron Hickey was removed before the hour after picking up a 'small knock' and so he is another doubt.
Celtic's Anthony Ralston replaced the Bees defender and could get the nod to start if he fails to recover.
Kieran Tierney replaced Christie late on against the Greeks, he's another option, though the defender's inclusion would require more changes to personnel.
Teenager Lennon Miller of Udinese should also come into the reckoning, while Billy Gilmour looks well placed for a recall after his cameo.
Belarus were thumped 6-0 by Denmark on Thursday, trailing by four at the break before Brian Riemer's side eased up in the second period.
Head coach Carlos Alos insisted earlier this week he's had to face a selection dilemma having encountered problems in getting visas for as-yet unspecified players due to their pro-Russian stance on the war in Ukraine.
It appears there are no new injury concerns after their drubbing at the hands of the Danes.
Tip 1 – Scotland -2 @ 6/5
Scotland showed some guts to get out of their Greek test with a win.
They were poor for an hour but, when the gun was put to their heads, they scored three goals in the final third of the game to claim a priceless success.
Last month's win against Belarus came in an empty stadium and the Scots should find this much more straight forward with Hampden roaring them on.
Belarus have conceded an alarming 13 goals in three games in this group. Scotland should win, and win well.
Tip 2 – Scott McTominay anytime goalscorer @ 21/20
With Thursday's goalscoring duo Christie and Ferguson consigned to watching from the stands now, Scott McTominay will have added pressure to step up.
The Napoli midfielder hit double figures in Serie A last season as his career hit new heights following his Old Trafford exit.
After one goal in his first 37 caps for Scotland, McTominay has 11 in 26 since.
He can register a first scoring contribution of this campaign against what is a leaky Belarus side.
Tip 3 – Billy Gilmour Over 0.5 shots on target @ 19/10
Similar sentiments are attached to McTominay's club team-mate Gilmour.
He came on just before Greece hit the front on Thursday but played his part in the turnaround.
Boss Clarke will take charge of the Tartan Army in a record-breaking 72nd game and, with Ferguson and Christie out, Gilmour should be restored to the starting XI.
He tested the Belarus goalkeeper last month in an impressive display and was instrumental in Scotland's second goal.
He looks overpriced for a shot on target, given the expected pattern of this game.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
