Potentially, a place at Euro 2024 is Germany is at the end of this campaign with Clarke’s team grouped with Armenia, weekend opponents Republic of Ireland and Ukraine again in the section. The Nations League and play-off route is how Scotland reached Euro 2020 so getting off on the right foot is vital against the 92nd ranked team in the world.
There is a warning too though – Armenia saw off Stephen Kenny’s team last week and sit top of the table at this early stage.
Steve Clarke added Lyndon Dykes to players he won’t be able to call upon for this and the two fixtures to follow – but the boss has suggested he will use various elements within his squad for the coming games. Nathan patterson still has a question-mark over his fitness while a tough short-term schedule after a long season for some may come into the manager’s thinking.
Armenia at home, albeit with the warning, should be the most winnable game of the group on paper – so who will the manager pick?
There’s every chance he will field a strong line-up to start and, with the aim of establishing an early lead, supplement the side with substitutions to spare energy for the forthcoming games in Dublin and then Yerevan next Tuesday.
Here’s how he could line-up – but will the manager spring a surprise after pitching Aaron Hickey into the World Cup mix last week?
5. LCB - Jack Hendry
Another regular pick under Clarke, with age on his side Hendry could get the nod alongside Souttar as a look to the future partnership in years (and hopefully tournaments) to come. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SFA
6. MC - Billy Gilmour
He may not have had his best night against Ukraine, but Gilmour will relish pulling the strings in the middle of a game such as this. Photo: Stu Forster
7. MC - Stuart Armstrong
Useful in the transition, Armstrong may be preferred to McGregor for his attacking capabilities - two holding midfielders may not be required and would give the Celtic captain a break on the back of a long season, and fresh for Dublin. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
8. CAM - John McGinn
Another unlikely to see the 90 minutes if the match goes Scotland's way but it would be too big a risk for Clarke to name a Scotland team without McGinn, especially if changes are made elsewhere. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group