Scotland vs Morocco will meet in a key World Cup Group C fixture at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, with both sides seeking to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Scotland arrive in Boston with confidence after opening their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, a result that moved Steve Clarke’s side into a strong position ahead of the second round of group matches.
A second consecutive win would significantly boost Scotland’s hopes of advancing, a milestone they have never achieved at a major international tournament.
However, Clarke must cope without midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition due to a knee injury. Defender Scott McKenna remains a doubt after a recent fitness setback but could still be available for selection from the bench.
Morocco, meanwhile, earned a valuable point in their opening match after holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw. The Atlas Lions know victory over Scotland would move them closer to securing a place in the last 16.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to keep faith with much of the side that impressed against the South Americans. Right-back Noussair Mazraoui is available after completing the full match against Brazil, while the central defensive pairing of Chadi Riad and Issa Diop is set to continue.
In midfield, Morocco are unlikely to make major changes, with Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi expected to anchor the centre of the pitch.
The main selection question surrounds the attack, where Ayoub El Kaabi is pushing for a starting role after beginning the tournament on the bench.
Morocco defeated Scotland 3-0 in the nations’ previous meeting and enter the contest as slight favourites, but Scotland’s strong start to the tournament has raised expectations of another competitive performance.
Probable lineups:
Scotland: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Andy Robertson; Ben Doak, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland.
Morocco: Bono; Achraf Hakimi, Chadi Riad, Issa Diop, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.
