Tartan_Wolf

I think this entire campaign every game (except Germany away) is a must win something game. (it's not Craig Levein era - when draws at home to rivals and draws away to minnows were acceptable)

some short highlights on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/scotlandnationalteam?fref=ts

Yeah 7:45. Was just looking on the Uefa fixture list which is on European time. Across the last 18 months, I can see 6 results which look like Germany not being switch on. Also aren't Germany known for starting a little slow in qualifiers? (by their standards) They might be the best in the world - but no team plays 100% their best, 100% of the time. Well it would be a short post if I just said "grasping at straws". Almost as pointless as your contribution.

I might be grasping at straws... but what is the chances of Germany switching off a little in September? Here is my thinking: They play a tough game against Poland at home on the 4th at 20:45, then have to fly over for a 20:45 KO in Scotland. How many players will be thinking about getting back to their club? If they beat Poland they'll view the group as there's. Might be the edge we need to take a point - based on this weekend's performance -or more if we improve? Either way, seems like a small advantage to Scotland.

What do we think the strategy will be? Sit in and counter, which we are really good at. (Germany) Dominate possession, which we have been really good at times (phases of Poland and even Ireland, Georgia) Attack at high pace immediately, score the first goal and end the contest. (Gibraltar)

I think this is our strongest advantage. Although I reckon the game will look more like rugby than football, the ability to choose the strategy will be huge. As for Strachan's form... I agree it's excellent. But in my opinion only games in the last 6 months will give an impact on Saturday. Or else you could say our humiliation at home from Wales would play a factor. I just don't feel that any of our top 11 players are "on form" if we do get a win on Saturday that edge must be laid at Strachan's feet.

Since we edged Ireland out at home. (I felt deservedly but not hugely) Ireland have: thumped USA, drawn with Poland, and then drawn with England. Scotland have: been thumped by England (maybe not especially on the scoring, but certainly on performance), beat Gibraltar, and beat Qatar. Okay I know friendlies do not mean much, but they don't mean absolutely nothing. I am personally struggling to be confident about Saturdays game, despite many numerous positive perspectives in others posts, and would have to take a draw as a pretty positive result. Can someone share why they are feeling optimistic? Anyone think Georgia can take points off Poland?

At the Gibraltar game I'm pretty sure every single player was singing. I was quite surprised. I think the N.I. game before I'd noticed few were singing it. Perhaps a little encouragement for Strachan helped.

I honestly don't understand why Maloney is an auto pick for so many. Against Gibraltar I thought he was our worst player, poorer than some Gibraltar players. He's been constantly poor this campaign with the exception of that awesome goal against Ireland. Perhaps play him from the bench? Even if people said "I'd pick Maloney because he's good luck" would make more sense. I don't particularly think Ritchie brings much as he seems so sheepish for a supposedly attacking midfielder, but his corners are not utterly embarrassing. I don't remember a good corner from Maloney this campaign, again with the exception of that awesome goal against Ireland. He's going to become the next Kenny Miller, if Strachan doesn't try bringing him on from the bench every now and again.

Probably, might just be my work is more boring now.

Interesting that Fifa think we'll come second in our group. Fingers crossed. This campaign feels like the games are much further apart than usual. Is it just me, or is it because after a year there is still no clear favorites for 1,2,3rd place.

For someone who I have very low expectations of, I was pretty impressed with his performance verses N.I. I thought he was our best midfielder in the first half. IMO he's showing some improvement as a player and good performances in a Scotland top might not be too far fetched in the future.

Thanks for the personal accounts! Definitely makes me feel better Fingers crossed I miss the best win in recent Scottish footballing history

It suddenly dawned on me that my wife is pregnant with our first on the 8th of September, which means there's absolutely no chance of me going to the Germany home game on the evening of the 7th. To make me feel better, what's the best match you've had tickets for and had to miss?

Jeez just listened to "Bonnie Mary" do you propose the Tartan Army hand out a song book as well?

Most games where Maloney has saved the day, even in the last campaign I've wanted him subbed. I really like his attitude, but I think he wastes a lot of possession and doesn't look for the forward pass enough. For a 'technically' gifted player, the only talent I've seen him perform is turn around and the goal against Ireland. Furthermore, I think you could have Marshall taking the corners and get a better service. But I am not Strachan, and Maloney has scored some really important goals. Even if he's just a 'lucky' charm player for Strachan, then that's enough. Plus most of our midfield cannot turn around and run forwards, so Maloney is ahead of a few.

After last night I'm switched back to sticking with Fletcher. If you look at the highlights he doesn't get the final pass he's made the run for on a couple of occasions, and the 'goal drought' will be ended with a performance verses Gibraltar. I had a better view in the second half, and Rhodes didn't appear to win a single battle with a defender, to head, to feet or in front of him. I really want Rhodes to be something better, but as a team we are better with Fletcher. At least Anya gets the faster counter attacking link up with Fletcher. Though it might be unfair as the rest of the team was reduced in the second half.

He got better when he switched with Naismith in the last 15 minutes to be more central, let him provide some goal bound drive lacking last night in general. And he provided excellent corner delivery something that has been woeful from Maloney for some time. Not my first pick. But worth a space on the bench/Sub. Wouldn't play Naismith out of position so he can play better.

I think I've a weird opinion. McArthur provided more for Scotland tonight than Fletcher. I think the midfield was too defensive for the game and it made Fletcher look worse, but I was shocked by how many times Fletcher looked uncomfortable in position and failed to make a challenge, and refused to run forwards with the ball. It might not be his main responsibility to attack, but with McArthur playing DM next to him he needs to drive sometimes. If we had RB/LB that could competently drive forwards then that might be okay to have two really defensive players in the centre. McArthur I think is normally hopeless, but last night he had his best performance as a Scotland player, and made me see why he gets a game for Crystal Palace. I though Morrison on for McArthur was a loss. And Maloney didn't provide anything, except a space for an uninspiring Matt Richie to put some good balls in the box from corners. But I can't remember any attacks last night through centre, except that one where McArthur passed to Anya when he should have off loaded to S.Fletcher. And McArthur won that chance with a good interception. So overall not too pissed about that.

I like the idea of a chant at Hampden tonight. I'll be listening out for it.

I reckon 2-0 as well. I think Strachan will be making changes like a conveyor belt, which tends to reduce scoring.

Has anyone seen him play? If only we had a U19 national squad that could pick him so we could get a look at him. Ricky Sbragia OUT! and I want to see Strachan use Jack Harper as his next... lets look at you pick.

How do the SFA let people with Medieval mindsets into positions of responsibility and decision making.

I'm trying to think back to Jordan Rhodes record for us. The game I'm remember where he didn't magic the game into a win... I think was the Macedonia game, where he only had 10 minutes. But missed a 'sitter' I think... Anyone have a better memory than me? I see he's had 11 appearances, I only strongly remember Australia and Macedonia.

I agree with this view. Martin looked awful against England, but no worse than the alternative against Ireland. I would like to see a replay of Rhodes performance after we finally pressured Levien into playing him. I don't think it was flawless either. Though we was pretty solid against a weak Aussie side/ Scotland playing well. If it wasn't for the argument of "Fletcher could really benefit from a couple of confidence boosting goals" I'd say Rhodes should start.