Scotland's World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley "is going to be a lot closer than people think," according to former Scotland midfielder Paul Lambert.

"Scotland v England in any sport, you're never quite sure as it's so unpredictable," added the new Wolves head coach ahead of Friday's clash.

"Anything can happen. When the draw was made, everybody was excited and the closer it gets, there's an edge.

"[Interim England manager] Gareth Southgate will know that he can't afford for Scotland to go down there and win."

Image source, PA

Image source, Craig Mercer - CameraSport

Charlie Mulgrew, who has recovered from injury with Blackburn Rovers, was a late call-up to the Scotland squad for Friday's game at Wembley.

It appears that club-mate Gordon Greer, the veteran defender, picked up a knock in training.

Could Mulgrew, the former Celtic player who can play in both defence and midfield, start against England?

What would your team be?

Many pundits are suggesting that, if Scotland lose to England at Wembley, it will end the chances of Gordon Strachan's side qualifying for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

But Scotland's Barry Bannan believes that the Group F placings will not be decided until the final games.

“This group has already thrown up some surprise results," said the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder. 

"It’s going to be a group that goes down to the wire. 

"We’ve got four games next year that will all be at Hampden, which will be a big bonus for us. 

"It’s a massive game, but this group will go to the end.

“Obviously we’re disappointed with the last two results we had - we want to do a bit better. 

"This is a massive game against our rivals, so it’s one of the best games to go and show what we can do.”

Image source, SNS

Livingston manager David Hopkin has suggested that his side being full-time can be a hindrance rather than an advantage in League One.

Hopkins' side, who now lead the table, were pre-season title favourites along with Airdrieonians in a division dominated by part-time clubs.

"When you're part-time, you get the best players in Scotland," said Hopkins, who has been named the divisions' manager of the month for October. 

"Most have good jobs and part-time suits them.

"But, when you're full-time and one of the smaller clubs, you're getting younger players looking for a chance.

"We have young ones we have to coach each week, who will make mistakes through the season.

"So when you've got good part-time clubs paying similar wages to us at full-time then they can get experienced players in and it's easier to manage."

Livingston's climb to the top of Scottish League One has been rewarded by manager David Hopkin and striker Liam Buchanan winning monthly awards.

Hopkin has been named League One manager of the month by sponsor Ladbrokes after leading his side to four wins in five matches during October.

Although they suffered a surprise defeat at home to Albion Rovers, wins over Alloa Athletic and Brechin City, who had both led the division, were important results for the Lothian outfit.

They also defeated Northern Irish side Crusaders in the Irn-Bru Cup. The match had to be replayed because Livi fielded an ineligible player, but Hopkins' side also won the rematch this month.

Buchanan scored five goals during the month and has continued that form into November and has now scored in six consecutive outings, hitting the net eight times.

Image source, SNS

Scotland could face a rejuvenated Jack Wilshire at Wembley on Friday.

The midfielder has been recalled to the England squad following good form on loan to Bournemouth from Arsenal after his return from injury.

And the 24-year-old said: "I missed the fight of the Premier League, being in big games and making a difference for a team.

"I wanted to feel that again and almost fall back in love with the game."

Read full story.

Image source, Reuters

Things to look forward to today include new Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Paul Lambert talking England v Scotland.

Meanwhile, the Premiership player of the month award winner will be announced.

And we'll keep you up to date with any latest news about Joey Barton's future at Rangers.

Image source, SNS

Watching England games is "purgatory" for supporters, former Rangers captain Terry Butcher said last night.

England, who host Scotland at Wembley on Friday, drew 0-0 in their World Cup qualifier in Slovenia last month following laboured wins over Malta and Slovakia.

"We're reaching new lows all the time," said former England captain Butcher. "They play like they've got their headphones on."

Read full story.

Image source, Getty Images

Last night's big story in Scottish football was Dundee United's narrow win over 10-man Dunfermline Athletic that lifted Ray McKinnon's side level with Hibernian at the top of the Scottish Championship.

Pars midfielder Nat Wedderburn was sent off five minutes before the break at Tannadice and the 10 men held out until Simon Murray struck 11 minutes from time.

Read full story.

Image source, SNS

Scotland's visit to Wembley to face England on Friday dominates the Scottish newspapers today, but it is Rangers midfielder Joey Barton who is the main face on the back pages. Here's a selection of the main stories.

• Rangers have sealed a pay-off deal to get rid of Joey Barton after the controversial midfielder got a sick note for stress and agreed a £250,000 pay-off.
• Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam has criticised the decision to bring Scott Brown back into the Scotland squad less than three months after he announced his international retirement.
• England will crack in Friday's World qualifier if Scotland can grab the lead at Wembley, according to midfielder Robert Snodgrass. 
• Former St Johnstone captain Dave Mackay or former Aberdeen midfielder Brian Grant will be named Stirling Albion manager within 48 hours.

Read full story.

We're not sure if we will be able to give you any Scottish football news as extraordinary as Donald Trump's election as US president, but we'll give it a try.

The businessman turned politician has his golf courses over here obviously, but we might struggle to find a football link.

However, we have our own day of reckoning to look forward to, with news likely to be again dominated by Friday's World Cup qualifying showdown between Scotland and England.

Oh, and Rangers still have unfinished business over their own Englishman, Joey Barton.

Image source, AFP