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The latest Scotland team news and predicted XI ahead of their Nations League clash with Slovenia
Scotland head into their final match of the extended international break with an ideal opportunity to move to second in their Nations League B-tier group, as they take on Slovenia at Hampden Park. Sebastien Pocognoli’s side are currently third in the group, behind their next opponents only on goal difference after three matches.
A dominant 2-0 win in North Macedonia was a much-needed tonic to an otherwise underwhelming start to the campaign, with a goalless draw away to Slovenia and a 3-0 thrashing at home to Switzerland causing frustrating among the Tartan Army. At home, against a side missing their star striker Benjamin Sesko, Scotland will know their next game is a must-win.
Heading into the match, there are no fresh injury concerns for Pocognoli to deal with. However, the side will be without defender Scott McKenna, after the Dinamo Zagreb ace was sent off against North Macedonia. The good news is that Jack Hendry will be available for selection, after serving a suspension for his red card against Switzerland.
As Scotland prepare their push for a top-two finish and a potential play-off to haul themselves back into the A tier in March, this is how Pocognoli could set out his side to face Slovenia on Tuesday evening.
Scotland predicted XI vs Slovenia: goalkeeper and defence
Luis Binks impressed in Scotland's 2-0 win over North Macedonia last weekendplaceholder image
Luis Binks impressed in Scotland's 2-0 win over North Macedonia last weekend | Getty Images
Angus Gunn will once again start in goal for Scotland. He’s picked up two clean sheets in three matches during the international break. While he didn’t have a single stop to make in the wins over Slovenia and North Macedonia, it’s worth noting that the ex-Nottingham Forest goalkeeper did pull off six saves in the heavy loss to Switzerland.
Pocognoli will likely stick with a back three to take on Slovenia, with Lewis Binks and Stephen Welsh set to keep their place in the side as the new Belgian boss looks to keep things consistent. With McKenna out, Hendry is set to come straight back into the eleven after his unfortunate moment against the Swiss.
After dazzling against North Macedonia, Ben Gannon-Doak is set to continue in the right wing-back position. The change in role looks to be an experiment well worth persisting with, as the Bournemouth youngster is one of the most talented young players Scotland have had in years and can’t afford to be dropped due to formation that doesn’t utilise traditional wingers. Veteran Andy Robertson, who won his 100th cap last weekend, will start on the left.
Scotland predicted XI vs Slovenia: midfield and attack
Kieron Bowie is set to lead the line for Scotland against Sloveniaplaceholder image
Kieron Bowie is set to lead the line for Scotland against Slovenia | Getty Images
Napoli’s Billy Gilmour is set to continue his spot in the heart of midfield, having made an impressive return to the international stage after brutally missing the World Cup due to an injury suffered in their warm-up match against Curacao. He’ll be partnered by his fellow Serie A star - Bologna skipper Lewis Ferguson.
Scotland will again field two advanced midfielders on the right and left of a central striker. John McGinn will be in the right-central spot - one he often occupies for Aston Villa - while Hull City’s Ollie McBurnie will be on the opposite side. The latter’s hold-up play, if not his shooting, has been highly impressive during the international break so far.
Up top, Hellas Verona loanee Kieron Bowie, currently of Sassuolo, will likely keep Sevilla’s Robbie Ure out of the side again. Bowie scored his first Scotland goal in the win over North Macedonia, and will be eager to score plenty more as he targets eclipsing the likes of high-rankers Kenny Miller and Ally McCoist on the nation’s all-time top scorers list over the course of his promising international career.
Scotland predicted line-up vs Slovenia: Gunn; Binks, Hendry, Welsh; Gannon-Doak, Robertson; Ferguson, Gilmour, McGinn; McBurnie, Bowie.
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