Scotland vs Rep of Ireland LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TODAY’S Nations League clash

Ireland starting XI:

Gavin Bazunu and John Egan come into the side to replace the injured Caoimhin Kelleher and Darragh Lenihan at Hampden Park.

Matt Doherty returns to right wing-back, the player lavishing game time given his lack of opportunities at Tottenham this season.

1. Bazunu, 3. Doherty, 12. Collins, 5. Egan, 18. O'Shea, 11. McClean, 6. Cullen, 15. Molumby, 17. Knight, 10. Parrott, 9. Obafemi.

Scotland subs:

12. L Kelly, 21. McCrorie, 2. Gallagher, 3. Taylor, 5. Porteous, 10. Adams, 14. Gilmour, 16. Ralston, 18. Doig, 19. Fraser, 20. Jack, 23. McClean

Scotland starting XI:

Aaron Hickey comes in for the injured Nathan Patterson while Lyndon Dykes keeps his place after scoring two goals from the bench against Ukraine on Wednesday.

1. Gordon, 22. Hickey, 13. Hendry, 15. McKenna, 6. Tierney, 4. McTominay, 8. McGregor, 17. S Armstrong, 7. McGinn, 11. Christie, 9. Dykes

Kenny hoping lightening strikes twice

Stephen Kenny's side surprised many in the reverse fixture with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Dublin.

Ireland's only victory from 14 UEFA Nations League matches came in June (D6, L7).

Scotland have won one of their last five matches against Ireland (D1, L3), the solitary win coming in the last fixture they hosted.

Home is where the heart is

Scotland are unbeaten in all six of their home matches in the UEFA Nations League (W5, D1).

They have kept four clean sheets in this run.

Only Germany and Italy (seven games each) have played more games on home soil without losing in the competition.

Luck of the Irish running out

There stood a very remote chance of Stephen Kenny's side qualifying from the group mathematically until Ukraine's dominant 5-0 win in Armenia earlier today.

Avoiding relegation to the lower tier is now key for Kenny's men.

With seeding for the Euros now heavily affected by the UEFA Nations League, Ireland need to ensure they stay above Armenia in the group.

Ireland eyes focussed on task

Republic of Ireland's manager has spoke about the challenge his side faces this evening with so much still at stake.

Scotland were very good the other day, they played very well and to be honest with you, they’ve been very good since Steve Clarke took charge and qualified for the Euros. They’ve consistently been good so anything we get, we know we’ll definitely have to earn that. For us, we have to focus on ourselves and make sure we’re right, that’s what we are firmly focused on. You have to adapt for sure, you can’t play the same way, you have to adapt to your opponent. That’s the nature of football.

Stephen KennyIreland manager

Highs and lows of seeding

Scotland head into this game full of confidence, knowing that victory would take them to the top of the group with one game to play.

If their next two games go according to plan, Scotland will be looking for their first-ever promotion to League A.

Ireland meanwhile, are focussing on preventing relegation from this tier, finding themselves a solitary point away from Armenia who sit bottom.

Meatball key to Tartan success

John McGinn was the stand-out performer against Ukraine, pulling the strings from the centre of midfield, getting on the scoresheet in the process.

The Aston Villa midfielder has been involved in 13 goals in his 16 home starts under manager Steve Clarke (10 goals. 3 assists).

However, he has failed to register on home soil in the UEFA Nations League.