It's a massive night in Foxborough as Steve Clarke's men face the 2022 semi-finalists in their second Group C fixture. Following their opening Group C win against Haiti in the same stadium, the dark blues return there to face Morocco who reached the last four of the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. They impressed in a 1-1 draw against Brazil in their own opening game and now face Scotland. A point will be enough to see Scotland reach the knockout stage of a major international tournament for the first time EVER.
Keith Jackson's Prediction
Steve Clarke is the king of the curveball so perhaps we should know by now to expect the unexpected. He could stick with his new look 4-4-2 formation and try to give the Moroccans both barrels but that would be the biggest surprise of all. It's more likely Scotland will switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation and Lyndon Dykes could be Clarke's wild card pick.
Predicted XI: Gunn, Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson, Ferguson, Christie, McGinn, McTominay, Gannon-Doak, Dykes.
Scott McDermott's Prediction
Steve Clarke said before the World Cup that he expected most sides to make game-to-game changes, and despite beating Haiti, he should alter his lineup slightly to face a quality Morocco outfit. Don't be surprised if he shores up the midfield by adding Kenny McLean or Ryan Christie alongside Lewis Ferguson in the engine room, at the expense of a striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. And up top, he'll be tempted to go with more of a target man in Lyndon Dykes to give the Scots an out-ball if they're under the cosh at times.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson; Ferguson, McLean; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, McGinn; Dykes.
Ryan McDonald's Prediction
You can bet your bottom dollar that Steve Clarke will ditch that 4-4-2 formation and set up hard to beat in a 4-5-1 set-up. I think he'll go for a lone striker with Che Adams leading the line. That would see Lawrence Shankland dropping out, with Ryan Christie adding another body in the middle of the park. His energy could be key to driving Scotland forward on the counter in what could be a backs-to-the-wall display against the African champs.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, Christie, McGinn; Adams.
Andy Newport's Prediction
Grant Hanley was superb alongside Jack Hendry in our group opener but at 34, the Hibs stopper's legs have slowed and we're going to need to be at our sharpest up against the African champions, who have pace to burn all over the pitch. I'd have given a start to Scott McKenna but it looks like the former Aberdeen man is again struggling with a calf issue. In that case I'd bring in John Souttar and hope he can shake off the late dip in form he had with Rangers. It's imperative we keep the ball better than we did against Haiti, so if I were Steve Clarke I'd sacrifice striker Lawrence Shankland and add Ryan Christie to the midfield.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Souttar, Robertson, Ferguson, Christie, Gannon-Doak, McTominay, McGinn.
Robbie Copeland's Prediction
I think we'll change shape for this one. Lawrence Shankland doesn't have the mobility to lead the line on his own, so I suspect he'll make way for an extra midfield body. Scott McKenna should come in for some extra pace at the back.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie; McGinn, McTominay, Doak; Adams.
Craig Swan's Prediction
Steve Clarke will surely make alterations in terms of system and, perhaps, personnel also. Morocco's threats and midfield work against Brazil should see Scotland take a more pragmatic approach. A striker may be sacrificed and five at the back is also a possibility.
Predicted XI: Gunn, Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn, Christie, Adams.
