Scotland vs. USA: Top Players and Key Battles That Will Decide the Match

Scotland will be out for revenge when they welcome the USA to Hampden Park this weekend.

The last time the two sides met in May of last year, the Tartan Army were on the wrong end of a 5-1 drubbing. 

A year on and things are starting to look up for Scotland. Gordon Strachan will be hoping to continue his rebuilding efforts against a side that have already booked their place in Brazil next summer.  

Strachan, who took the reins from Craig Levein in February, led his side to back-to-back wins over Croatia in World Cup qualifying, and they come into the game at Hampden off the back of two straight wins. 

Jurgen Klinsmann's side secured their passage through to the 2014 World Cup with a couple of games to spare, and the German boss said his team will be looking to "prove a point," per MLS Soccer. 

The home side will be relieved to see Landon Donovan absent from the U.S. squad. The L.A. Galaxy star knocked a hat-trick past the Scots the last time the sides met, but he will miss out with an ankle injury.  

Here are some key battles and big names to look out for when the action gets underway on Nov. 15 at 8:05 p.m. GMT.  

Key Battles

Gary Caldwell vs. Jozy Altidore

When Altidore puts on the red, white and blue of Team USA, he becomes a different player. 

The 24-year-old has endured a difficult time of it since his move from AZ Alkmaar to Sunderland. He has yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League this campaign, and he is warming the bench with increasing frequency.

In his last eight games for his country, however, he has bagged eight goals and two assists. He is an imposing figure in the attacking third of the pitch, and he has been one of the Stars and Stripes' standout players during World Cup qualifying.

Caldwell is an experienced defender, and the Wigan skipper will need to be at his towering best to keep Altidore quiet. 

Robert Snodgrass vs. DaMarcus Beasley

Snodgrass was instrumental in both of Scotland's wins over Croatia. The Norwich City man bagged a goal in each game to consign the Croats to the play-offs, and he will relish taking on USA's troublesome left-back position. 

Beasley, who has spent most of his playing days in midfield, has been moved back into defence by Klinsmann. While some fans of the Stars and Stripes have called for an alternate option, the German has stuck by the veteran. 

Beasley has pace to burn, but his defensive abilities can often be left wanting. He will need to bring his A game against Snodgrass, who scored in Norwich's 3-1 win over West Ham United at the weekend.  

Key Players

Steven Fletcher

The sight of Fletcher returning to the international fold will be a welcome relief for Strachan. 

The forward has struggled with injuries of late, but on his day, he can trouble some of the Premier League's best defences. 

He suffered under the strict regime of Paolo di Canio at Sunderland, but he has started all four games since the arrival of Gus Poyet. 

If Scotland create chances, then this will be the guy converting them. 

Michael Bradley

Bradley is arguably the U.S.'s best player. After missing out on the last four games with an ankle injury, he will be eager to make an impact on his return to the starting XI. 

The midfielder currently plies his trade in Serie A, where he has helped Roma to the top of the table with 10 wins and two draws from their opening 12 games. 

Bradley, son of Egyptian head coach Bob Bradley, has struck up a solid partnership with Jermaine Jones in the heart of Team USA's midfield. 

Scotland will need to wary of his inventiveness in the middle of the park.