Scotland begin their qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup on Thursday when they host Austria in Glasgow.

Steve Clarke’s side will get a long-overdue taste of a major tournament finals this summer when they play in the Euros, but the key now for the Scots is to ensure there’s not as long a wait for the next time they mix it with the finest national sides - the 1998 World Cup was their last finals appearance.

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That was also the last time Austria reached the finals of Fifa’s big tournament, though they did partake in the European Championships finals in both 2008 and 2016, with the current squad rather highly regarded.

Denmark, Israel, Moldova and the Faroe Islands are the other sides in the group - several of which Scotland will feel they can beat, making this opening match perhaps a case of being more important to simply not lose.

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That might be easier said than done, with Austria unbeaten in the last six.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

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When is the match?

The game kicks off at 7:45pm on Thursday 25 March.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be televised live on Sky Sports from 7pm. Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.

If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

What is the team news?

Former England U20 striker Che Adams is unlikely to start in his first appearance in the Scotland squad, while Steve Clarke has a number of decisions to make for the starting XI.

David Marshall may be starting after his spell of injury, but Ryan Jack’s withdrawal could see Scott McTominay play in his more usual role in midfield. Scott McKenna could have a shot in defence and Oliver McBurnie could replace Lyndon Dukes up front.

Marko Arnautovic will not feature for Austria, leaving Adrian Grbic and Sasa Kalajdzic hoping for a start. Florian Grillitsch is set to replace captain Julian Baumgartlinger in midfield while he is out with injury, with Christoph Baumgartner also in contention for a starting role.

Predicted line ups

Scotland: Marshall, O’Donnell, McKenna, Gallagher, Tierney, Robertson, McGinn, McTominay, McGregor, McBurnie, Christie.

Austria: Pervan, Lainer, Dragovic, Ilsanker, Ulmer, Grillitsch, Sabitzer, Schlager, Baumgartner, Alaba, Kalajdzic.

Odds

Scotland – 11/5

Draw – 12/5

Austria – 6/5

Prediction

Both nations will be keen to get off to a winning start, with Scotland wanting to avoid a defeat at Hampden Park possibly taking priority. However, a low-scoring draw is likely to play out. Scotland 1-1 Austria.

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