Nations League – League A – Group 1 – Poland vs Scotland: 19:45 (Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw)

With their 1-0 victory over Croatia on Friday night, Scotland’s winless hoodoo finally came to an end.

It was a run that had seen the side fail to win their last eight games and was only their second victory in eighteen fixtures.

That was all forgotten as they held out against a side, albeit reduced to ten men, featuring the likes of Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol.

Now, a second consecutive win could provide Scotland with the opportunity to right the wrongs of their previous major tournament outings and remain amongst the international a-listers.

Doak in the spotlight

John McGinn’s goal brought jubilation to the Hampden crowd but it was Ben Doak’s electric performance that has since dominated headlines.

Much was made of the way the Middlesborough loanee turned an £80 million defender inside out, and quite rightly as Doak’s gradual introduction into the side has provided the spark Scotland have been missing in the past few years.

Clarke however, was quick to remind people that there is room for improvement in his game and has even suggested that Poland might be a game too soon for such a young player.

Despite attempts to keep the swirling expectations at bay, it seems unlikely that the manager would not turn to Doak for what could be an era defining ninety minutes in Warsaw.

Significant ramifications

What seemed an impossible dream only few nights ago now feels like a very distinct possibility as Scotland look to give themselves a platform to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.

Finishing second in Group 1 would give the side the coveted top seeding for the upcoming qualifiers.

To do so, they will have to not only beat Poland tonight but hope Portugal can win whilst putting a dent in Croatia’s goal difference, which is two better than Scotland’s.

Should results go their way, Steve Clarke’s men would also see themselves make their first ever Nations League quarter-finals.

Anything but a win however, would see them relegated and heap the pressure back onto the man in dugout this evening.

Poland not to be underestimated

A quick scan of Poland’s recent performances will give the Tartan Army some much needed optimism.

One win in their last eight including a 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Portugal have left the side looking bereft of confidence.

Sitting three points and six goals behind Croatia, their hopes for the second spot are far more difficult, a problem exacerbated by the absence of talisman Robert Lewandowski.

However, the Scots will not be quick to forget that their opponent’s sole victory since the Euros came courtesy of a 97th minute penalty at Hampden.

Manager Michal Probierz and his side may be down, but they are certainly not out.

Conway to be given second start?

Fans of the national team are never short of an opinion when it comes to picking a line-up and a boisterous few were finally granted their wish when Tommy Conway was given his first start on Friday.

Full of energy and always looking to press, Doak’s Middlesborough teammate made sure Croatia could never pass the ball around comfortably at the back.

The striker was not given many opportunities to bring his goalscoring form to Hampden and was brought off for Lyndon Dykes in the second-half, but has given himself every opportunity to start again tonight.

Lawrence Shankland’s rut makes him an unlikely candidate and Dykes has yet to score in League One.

However, Clarke and supporters will be well aware of the physicality he offers and his hard work to bring other into the game.

Scotland desperately need a win with as big a margin as possible, will he trust twenty-two year old Conway to deliver it?