Scotland v Czech Rep preview

Defeat to the Czech Republic on Saturday will leave Scotland facing an uphill battle, but victory will put them right back in the frame.

Watch Scotland v Czech Rep live on SSHD2 & in 3D this Saturday

Defeat to the Czech Republic on Saturday will leave Scotland facing an uphill battle, but victory will put them right back in the frame.

Points on the board are always preferable to games in hand, but Craig Levein's men know that they have one more fixture to play than their Group I rivals.

That situation could still work in their favour, providing they can start generating positive results.

They have taken just four points from their opening four games, with a narrow 2-1 victory over Liechtenstein their only success so far.

Levein will be aware that he needs to start bringing the best of his squad sooner rather than later if Scotland are to grace a major championship again in the near future.

Euro 2012 remains within sight for now, with five points currently separating them from weekend opponents Czech Republic.

Victory at Hampden Park would see that gap closed to two points with a game in hand.

All of a sudden, a slow start to the campaign would be forgotten and a shot at a second place finish and a spot in the play-offs would be on the cards.

It is, however, one thing talking about what might happen and another delivering where it matters - on the field.

After facing the Czechs, Scotland will tackle Lithuania on Tuesday and will not get a better opportunity to fire themselves back into qualification contention - with both of those games set to be staged on home soil.

Levein will not need reminding that the final fixture for his side takes them to reigning European and world champions Spain, so they really need to have points in the bag by the time they travel to Alicante on 11th October.

Fletcher poser

Kris Commons was the surprise omission from the Scotland squad, with the Celtic man overlooked for a crucial double-header.

Levein will therefore be looking to Liverpool's Charlie Adam to provide the spark in midfield, with the Reds new boy having made a bright start to his Anfield career.

There is a chance that Darren Fletcher could partner Adam in the middle of the park.

The Manchester United man and national skipper has yet to make a domestic appearance this season, as he continues with his recovery from a mystery virus, but he could be thrust back onto the international stage.

Levein is still mulling over whether to include his captain from the start or not, while he also faces a selection dilemma at the back.

Gary Caldwell will occupy one centre-half berth, but no decision has been taken as yet as to who will partner him.

Wolves' Christophe Berra and Liverpool's Danny Wilson are the contenders, with the former expected to get the nod as he is currently a first-team regular at club level.

The Czechs have selected a relatively inexperienced squad, with a significant number of Viktoria Plzen players within their ranks.

Petr Kiracek and Daniel Kolar are expected to make their international debuts, joining club colleagues Milan Petrzela and Vacla Pilar in coach Michal Bilek's plans.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is injured, so will play no part, but Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky will skipper the side.