Talking Tactics: Scotland can shock imperious Denmark at Hampden

Scotland are heading for the play-offs — but seeded status could be key to reaching a first World Cup in 24 years.

Steve Clarke’s men secured a spot in the second round of qualification by beating Moldova on Friday and have now won their last five matches.

However, the Tartan Army must pick up at least a point in their final qualifying game to stand a chance of being seeded, which will be a tough task against European Championship semi-finalists Denmark.

Ahead of tonight's clash with the Danes, we take a look at how Scotland can upset the odds in front of a sell-out crowd at Hampden Park.

Tight Tartans

Clarke has built a resolute backline, with his outfit keeping clean sheets in five of their last six outings.

The former West Brom boss has made good use of his embarrassment of riches at left-back, fitting both Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney into his back five.

Leeds captain Liam Cooper is also a mainstay at the heart of Scotland’s defence and the 30-year-old won the most aerial duels (six) and interceptions (four) in their 2-0 victory over Moldova last time out.

Their rearguard will need to be at their best against Denmark this evening, with Kasper Hjulmand’s side having scored 30 goals in World Cup qualifying — the third-most of any European side.

Firepower

Scotland were the joint-lowest scorers at the European Championship in the summer, finding the net just once across their three group stage games.

But Clarke’s team have scored in all but one of their matches since the tournament, even putting three past Israel last month.

Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams have formed a formidable strike partnership, with the latter impressively finding space at the back post for his goal in the win over Moldova.

Dykes missed that clash through suspension after scoring in all of his previous four appearances for the Tartan Army.

And he is facing a race against time to recover from a knock and illness.

Speaking yesterday, Clarke said: "Lyndon didn't do very much this morning. Lyndon, I would put [his chances of playing] at 50-50."

It will be a significant boost for Scotland if the striker is available.

O’Donnell opportunity

Stephen O’Donnell started all three of Scotland’s games at Euro 2020 but has fallen down the pecking order since the summer tournament.

The Motherwell defender has not appeared in each of the last three matches, with Rangers’ Nathan Patterson becoming the first-choice right wing-back.

Celtic’s Anthony Ralston is also snapping at the heels of O’Donnell for a place in the Scotland squad having started the season in great form — contributing a total of seven goals and assists in 11 league appearances.

But O’Donnell is in line to start this evening, with Patterson unable to play through suspension. Facing so much competition, the defender will need to impress at Hampden Park.

Back three battle

Both sides are likely to line up with a back three tonight.

Denmark manager Hjulmand often deploys a 3-4-3 system, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg partnering Thomas Delaney in midfield, while Clarke usually sets his team up in a 3-5-2 formation.

That should allow the Tartan Army to pack the midfield and prevent the visitors from dominating possession.

Scotland’s wing-backs will also play an important role in proceedings.

The Danish wide players like to get as high up the pitch as possible but in Robertson, Scotland boast one of the best left-backs in the world.

The Liverpool defender will have to display his full range of abilities in order to limit their impact while also instigating Scottish attacks.

Danes’ defence dented

Clarke’s men will be buoyed by the fact that Denmark finally conceded a goal in their last outing.

The Danish have been impenetrable since their 2-1 defeat to England in the Euro 2020 semi-final — keeping clean sheets in their next five matches.

In fact, the Faroe Islands’ goal in their defeat to the Danes on Friday was the first time that Hjulmand’s team have conceded in their entire World Cup qualification campaign.

Scotland were unable to score last time these two sides met but with the Tartan Army finding the net in all five of their previous games, they will be confident of making a breakthrough in Glasgow.