SCOTLAND face a massive test on Saturday as they play host to Israel in a case of Déjà vu. This time a little more important, with a place in the World Cup Play-off at stake.

The national team currently sit in second spot with four games left. Visitors Israel trail by one point in third position and will be keen to make amends for their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final defeat at the same venue exactly a year ago.

Key defender Grant Hanley is set to miss out after collecting two yellow cards in previous group stage games. Will we see McTominay back in the heart of the defence or will Leeds captain Cooper return to the starting Line-up? Who starts upfront? All-out attack or play it safe? Here’s how we think Steve Clarke’s side will line up...

Scotland starting XI

Formation: 3-5-2

Goalkeeper – Craig Gordon

Glasgow Times:

Games don’t come much more important than this one and with importance brings the need for experience. At the ripe age of 38, the veteran has done it all - winning the treble and appearing against the world’s best in the Champions League with Celtic. In fine form with Hearts, Gordon will need to continue this as he will be called into action on Saturday.

Defence - Nathan Patterson

Glasgow Times:

The 19-year-old returned to the Rangers starting line-up on Sunday in fine fashion, setting up Kemar Roofe for the equaliser. After his performance in Scotland’s last trip to Hampden, assisting Dykes for the winner against Moldova, there is no reason why Patterson should not be on that pitch come 5 o’clock on Saturday with his energy and creativeness.

Jack Hendry

Glasgow Times:

The 6ft 3” Centre-half remains fresh from holding the world’s most expensive attack in Messi, Neymar and Mbappe to a draw just three weeks ago. A victim of strong criticism after his mistake against the Czech Republic at Euro 2020, Hendry looks like a new player since his £4 million move to Brugge this summer.

Liam Cooper

Glasgow Times:

Captain of Leeds United, Cooper has been a rock this season in the Premier League. Rewarded with a clean sheet at the weekend in the Whites 1-0 win over Watford, the 30-year-old is more than ready to step into the shoes of the suspended Grant Hanley.

Kieran Tierney

Glasgow Times:

One of Scotland’s key performers under Steve Clarke’s 3-5-2 formation, Tierney possesses a dangerous attacking threat for any opposition with his ability to find space and drop out of defence.  If we see a firing Kieran Tierney on Saturday we are sure to witness a performance to remember.

Andrew Robertson (C)  

Glasgow Times:

On top form, Andy Robertson is arguably the best left-back in the world. Since moving to Liverpool in 2017, Robertson has made quite the impact, collecting both Champions League and Premier League winners medals. Appointed captain of the national team just a year later, The former Dundee United full-back has used this experience to become a leader at the back, guiding us to the first major tournament in over 20 years.

Midfield - Billy Gilmour

Glasgow Times:

Man of the match in two of the last three Scotland games, the UEFA Champions League winner has burst onto the scene for the national team this year. Sown on a consistent basis, the Norwich loanee brings calmness and composure to the midfield, something extremely vital in a game with the stakes so high.

John McGinn

Glasgow Times:

A fans favourite, McGinn is sure to give you 100% effort every time he steps on the park. Linked with moves to both Manchester United and Liverpool, the feisty midfielder will be desperate to add to his accolades after gaining plaudits for his performance in the 1-0 win over Austria last time out.

Callum McGregor

Glasgow Times:

Returning to the pitch in Celtic’s defeat to Bayern Leverkusen last week, McGregor should be ready to go after missing four games with a training ground injury. The Hoops captain was the scorer of Scotland’s only goal at Euro 2020, providing hope to the country in what eventually ended in the Scots bowing out to a Croatian masterclass.

Attack - Lyndon Dykes

Glasgow Times:

Scorer of the winner in the 1-0 victory in Austria, Dykes has hit top form in recent weeks with three-goal contributions in his last two games for QPR. His ability to rustle the feathers of the Israel defence has been shown in previous games, something in which Clarke will be keen for the 6ft 2”  to showcase again with his physical presence.

Che Adams

Glasgow Times:

Fresh to Steve Clarke’s squad, Adams brings a unique sense of pace to the Scotland frontline. Impressive against Austria, the pacey Southampton forward will be desperate to make an impact in front of a sold-out Hampden Park as he aims to add to his two goals so far.