It is just over a month since Scotland last faced Israel and they will have to improve on that performance - and their subsequent win over Czech Republic - if they are to progress to a play-off final.

Steve Clarke's side needed a Ryan Christie penalty to take the lead just before the break before Eran Zahavi's stunning finish 15 minutes from the end ensured that both sides had to settle for a point at the start of the new Nations League group campaign.

The Scots have won five, drawn one and lost one against tonight's visitors. To progress, Israel must win in Scotland for the first time in four visits.

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Both squad's preparations have been thrown into turmoil by Covid-19 testing results, with Israel without six players, at least two of whom would be likely starters, while a positive test for Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong has denied Steve Clarke the services of two key men.

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney and Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, who scored two of his country's three goals last month, albeit from the penalty spot, were identified as close contacts by health authorities and instructed to self-isolate.

The Scots were already without defenders Scott McKenna and Liam Palmer, as well as forward Oliver Burke, through injury and the debate over whether Clarke will persist with a back three or revert to a back four could be settled more by the availability of personnel than anything else.

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This is the big one. Well, the biggest one until the next big one at least!

Covid-19 cases have overshadowed the build-up, but that will need to be pushed aside temporarily as Scotland host Israel in their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final at Hampden Park tonight.

The goal is a final away to either Norway or Serbia, who go head-to-head in Oslo, on 12 November - and a potential place in next summer's finals, assuming they ever take place.

Stay with us for the build-up, live commentary and post-match reaction on BBC Radio Scotland and online.

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