Predicting Scotland's World Cup starting XI and depth chart

The Tartan Army have waited a generation to be back among international football's top table and the excitement will be at fever pitch on Saturday when they take on Haiti in Boston. 

No Scottish side has managed to progress from a group phase at a major tournament, but hopes are high that Steve Clarke's men are ready to make history in North America. 

Here is DAZN News' projected starting XI for the Scots, who look to be favouring a 4-4-2 formation, along with the depth chart by position.

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GOALKEEPER: Angus Gunn 

There's still a clamour for the tournament's oldest player Craig Gordon, to be Scotland's number one for the tournament, but Gunn has that squad number and, having started the last warm-up friendly, the Nottingham Forest goalie is expected to keep goal in the Scots' opener. 

Depth chart: Craig Gordon, Liam Kelly 

RIGHT BACK: Aaron Hickey 

The Brentford man has made the position his own after an impressively consistent season with the Bees and will look to continue that form into the World Cup ahead of the two other options for Steve Clarke. 

Depth chart: Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston

CENTRE BACKS: John Soutta, Grant Hanley 

There are several views on the first-choice centre-back pairing, but the feeling is that Clarke will opt for the experience of Grant Hanley, alongside John Soutta at least in the opening game. 

Depth chart: Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Dominic Hyam

LEFT BACK: Andy Roberton 

A no-brainer at left-back where skipper Andy Robertson, now a Spurs player in waiting, will be one of the Scots' most important players throughout the tournament. 

Depth chart: Kiernan Tierney 

CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS: Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson 

Scott McTominay is the first name on the Scotland teamsheet, but he'll be without his expected partner in crime following Billy Gilmour's injury. Instead, Lewis Ferguson is the most like-for-like in that area, although Ryan Christie may get the shout if the manager goes for the more offensive approach. 

Depth chart: Tyler Fletcher, Ryan Christie 

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RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Ben Gannon-Doak 

Gannon-Doak didn't see too much football for Bournemouth but he's come into form at the right time and will give Scotland some zip down the right flank. 

Depth chart: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis 

LEFT MIDFIELDER:  John McGinn 

Cutting in from the left, McGinn offers that guile and determination that is associated with the Scottish team and he'll be the heartbeat of Steve Clarke's team. 

Depth chart: Kenny McLean 

STRIKERS: Lawrence Shankland, Che Adams 

Scotland are actually pretty well stacked with options in attack, but after the season he had with Hearts, Lawrence Shankland has played his way into the starting line-up and should be partnered by the explosive Adams of Torino. 

Depth chart: Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Ross Stewart 

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