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Lanarkshire Live Sport

Scotland v Denmark: Predictions as Steve Clarke's side look to finish qualifying on a high

Scotland have booked their date with destiny next year as they look to reach the 2022 World Cup - but who they face to get there could be determined by tonight's match with Denmark.

A 2-0 victory away to Moldova wrapped up qualifying Group F's second spot for Scotland and a play-off spot into the bargain.

Head coach Steve Clarke's side will look to make it six wins on the spin against Denmark, but that won't be easy against a side with a 100% record in the group.

A positive result for Scotland would potentially leave them seeded in play-off competition, but a loss will leave them looking at the possibility of an unseeded draw.

Clarke's side end their group qualifying campaign tonight. (SNS Group)

How will it go at a sold-out Hampden? The Lanarkshire Live Sport team give you their predictions for the final battle:

Ben Banks

(SNS Group)

It's far from job done in Group F for Scotland. Of course, a play-off spot is secure, but it shouldn't mean the foot comes off the pedal.

A result is needed, as an unseeded play-off draw makes qualification for football's biggest stage that bit harder than it already will be.

There's yellow card suspensions to worry about too, no fewer than seven all one booking away from missing the play-off match.

That must be taken into consideration too, with the likes of John McGinn walking the cliched tightrope.

Denmark aren't likely to go easy if the angry reaction to a Faroe Islands consolation in their 3-1 victory is anything to go by. And by the law of averages, Scotland can't win every game...

Prediction: Scotland 0-2 Denmark

Paul Thomson

O'Donnell could break Motherwell's appearance record. (SNS Group / SFA)

Nathan Patterson's suspension means we will likely see Motherwell skipper Stephen O'Donnell return to the side, but, for me, he looks low in confidence of late and it's hard to say what kind of game he will have.

In the games against the bigger nations, O'Donnell does seem to raise his game (England at the Euros, the qualifying games against Austria) and hopefully that is the case again if he's given the nod.

With Lyndon Dykes back in the side and confidence flowing through the squad after the recent winning run, I think we'll put on a good show but come up short of a famous Hampden win.

The Danes have won every match in qualifying so far and they'll be determined to finish with that 100 per cent record intact, particularly as it's a feat they have never achieved before.

With that driving them and the quality they have at their disposal, that will probably be enough for them to edge it. The head is ruling the heart on this one.

Prediction: Scotland 1 Denmark 2

Andy McGilvray

(REUTERS)

With both sides having achieved their goal - Denmark winning the group like we all predicted, Scotland qualifying for the play-offs like we all hoped - this could be like a dead rubber.

I don't think any of us would have enjoyed going into the last game against Denmark needing something from the game, so for both sides the pressure is off.

Does that mean they will both go for it and see what happens, or just play out a draw? I think my money would be on the latter.

For Steve Clarke it's an opportunity to see what he has in reserve, and for some players to show him what they can do, while I doubt the Danes will come over to Glasgow full strength.

These are the form teams in our group, though, obviously, with the difference that Denmark beat Scotland 2-0 back in September - and it's impressive that was the last defeat we suffered - but that also means the Danes can finish the group with an unblemished record.

I think Scotland have a bit about them now, though, and are stronger than back in September, so I reckon we'll get something out of this.

Prediction: Scotland 1-1 Denmark

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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