Scotland will be desperate to right the wrongs of Friday’s heavy defeat to hosts Germany when they face Switzerland tomorrow in Cologne.
The 5-1 thrashing was the nation’s worst result in four UEFA European Championship appearances, which have all ended in group-stage exits.
In slightly more positive news, the Scots have already matched their goal tally from Euro 2020 with two games remaining in Group D.
However, it was an evening to forget for anyone wearing a kilt.
Die Mannschaft’s fearsome foursome terrorised the Tartan Army’s backline, which spent the evening chasing shadows.
Scotland’s 5-1 loss, as well as a red card to Ryan Porteous, signalled about as dire a start to Euro 2024 as they could have imagined in their worst nightmares.
While their one win in seven matches suggested that Scotland would need a great deal to go their way to get out of the group, the Scottish support, and individual brilliance of John McGinn and Scott McTominay, inspired a degree of hope.
On the other hand, Switzerland got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a perfect start with a good win over a Hungary side that many had touted to be dark horses ahead of the tournament following their 14-match unbeaten run.
Despite a lacklustre qualification that had deceived many into thinking Swiss Nati would falter, maintaining the same insipid nature, unsurprisingly Murat Yakin‘s side flew out of the traps with a 3-1 win over Hungary.
Swiss Nati are enjoying their third consecutive Euros, and after falling short in the quarter-finals in 2020, they will have hopes of going even further this time around.
It is unlikely that Scotland will be the passive observers they were against Germany on Wednesday, but Switzerland are going to be an equally tough test, which could spell another group exit for the Tartan Army.
Scotland
Given that Porteous is suspended owing to his sending-off for his challenge of Ilkay Gundogan, Grant Hanley is the man likely to replace him in the back three after he replaced the Watford defender off the bench.
Ryan Christie made up a pretty non-existent midfield versus Germany, and while the same can be said for the others, Christie is the one most likely to make way.
Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour could come in to replace him.
Another key decision for Clarke will be who to start up front. Southampton forward Che Adams really struggled in Munich and was hooked at halftime.
Lawrence Shankland could be called on; so far, he has scored two goals in six matches for Scotland.
Switzerland
After a torrid season suffering from injury, AS Monaco’s Embolo came off the bench to score a late goal versus Hungary.
The 27-year-old is competing for a starting spot with Duah and Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni.
Denis Zakaria and Steven Zuber remain doubts for Wednesday’s fixture owing to thigh and calf injuries, respectively.
Scotland
Gunn; Hanley, Hendry, Tierney; Ralston, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson; McGinn, McTominay; Adams
Switzerland
Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Vargas, Ndoye; Duah
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Key Players
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Scotland – Andrew Robertson
Andrew Robertson is not only crucial for Scotland defensively but also for their attacking threat.
The Tartan Army set up in a low block and looked to counter-attack teams, preferably through Kieran Tierney and Robertson on the left.
Their combinations often see the duo rotate, although it is the Liverpool fullback who underlaps and waits for the line-breaking pass from the midfielder, who links the pair, to get the 30-year-old in behind the opposition defence.
It is his ability to do this and his crossing that helped guide Scotland to qualification.
The captain’s deliveries tee up the likes of John McGinn and Scott McTominay, arriving late into the box as Adams drags the defenders away.
Even though there were minimal opportunities for Robertson to attack on Friday, he was one of the few actively attempting to get the Tartan Army up the pitch.
Germany frustrated the Scot, preventing any link-up play with Tierney, but against Switzerland, it is more than likely that there will be more chances to play out from the back.
The wing-back was, however, responsible for Scotland’s only goal of the match, whipping in a dangerous free kick from out wide that forced the error from Die Mannschaft and was turned in by Rudiger in an attempt to clear.
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Switzerland – Michel Aebischer
Following Friday, it is no secret that Scotland are defensively vulnerable; however, they are particularly susceptible to three things: line-breaking passes, runners in behind, and shots from range.
Swiss Nati’s Michel Aebischer picked up a goal and an assist in Saturday’s victory over Hungary, but it is the manner in which he did it that will strike fear into the Tartan Army ahead of their clash on Wednesday.
Rossocrociati opened the scoring thanks to an excellent run in behind and finish from striker Duah, yet if it were not for the Bologna midfielder breaking the line with a nice pass, Yakin’s side would not have got off to a dream start.
His heroics continued with a fine strike from distance that found the far corner just before the referee blew for halftime.
A defensive midfielder by trade, the 27-year-old was a rotational option in the build-up to the finals, but his superb performance at the heart of Switzerland’s surprise line-up makes him nailed on for the Scotland match.
Not only will Aebischer be pivotal in cutting out any attempt from Clarke’s side to break at pace, but he has also shown he is partial to an attacking return or two in areas of weakness for the Scots.
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off will be at 20:00 BST.
How can I watch?
For UK Viewers, the match will be broadcast on BBC One with coverage starting at 19:30 BST, presenters are as follows: Gabby Logan with commentary by Steve Bower and former Scotland hero James McFadden.