Steve Clarke will be thinking of nothing other than finishing off this international triple header with a hat-trick of wins for Scotland and keep the Tartan Army riding high on a wave of euphoria following victories over Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland at Hampden.
In fact, Clarke only needs a draw in Krakow to secure top spot in Nations League Group B1. But Scotland fans are well used to knowing that things are never plain sailing. So it’s good to know that even losing to Ukraine in Poland and finishing second in the group could still see Scotland claim the the spot of best runner-up.
That is huge as Scotland look to ensure they are in Pot 2 for next month’s Euro 2024 draw and avoid England, and possibly even the likes of France and other big guns. The draw for the European Championships in Germany takes place on October 9. And the Nations League is linked to the seedings. The 15 countries from League A of the Nations League will be split into pot one or two with the four group winners in League B also going into pot 2. However, as Germany - currently fourth in Group A3 - qualify as hosts then there is pot 2 seeding up for grabs. And that will go to the best runners-up of the four groups in tier two.
Defeat for Scotland would see them on 12 points but the points against the team that finishes bottom of the section are disregarded. Armenia are currently bottom so that tally would be cut in half. If, however, Ireland ended up bottom then Scotland would only lose Saturday’s victory and boost their final tally so the outcome of the match between those two in Dublin would have a bearing. Here, Record Sport looks at the state of play in the other three groups and what Scotland would prefer to happen.
Group B2
Russia were disqualified for the tournament and are ranked fourth with zero points so the current total of the other sides stands. Israel have already won the group and Iceland are in second position with three points. They travel to Albania for their final fixture and victory would see them finish on six points. Defeat for Scotland in Ukraine and a win for Ireland at home to Armenia would see them match Scotland
Best scenario for Scotland - Albania to take something from Iceland
Group B3
Bosnia and Herzegovina have already clinched promotion to Group A. This is a tight section and Montenegro are currently second with seven points and are at home to Finland. A win would only take them to 10 points but Romania are rock bottom just now and the Montenegrins have beaten them twice so six points would be scratched from that total to leave them with just four. However, if Finland win then they would be on eight points but, again on the basis Romania are bottom dogs, would lose just one from that total as they lost in Bucharest and drew at home to Romania so that's not a good outcome.
Best scenario for Scotland - Montenegro to finish second and Romania bottom
Group B4
This is the really interesting one. Sweden host Slovenia on Tuesday night and if the Scandinavians lose to remain bottom of their section then six points will be taken away from Serbia or Norway, depending on which one of those two finishes second. Those two go head to head in Oslo and are locked on 10 points each so it’s winner takes all. But if Sweden win then they will leapfrog Slovenia and send them bottom and that would see only four points taken off the runners-up.
Best case scenario for Scotland - Sweden to finish bottom
In short, who should Scotland be cheering on Tuesday?
Well, Steve Clarke’s boys for a start. A draw in Poland and top spot is secured. But after that they want Armenia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia all to get positive results.
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