Scotland begin life under Sebastien Pocognoli at Stadio Stozice on September 26, as they start their Nations League campaign against Slovenia.
Slovenia Chasing a Return to Winning Form
Boštjan Cesar will hope his Slovenia side gets back on track after a poor run of form following their failure to qualify for the World Cup. That is reflected in their form this calendar year, having failed to win in three of their four internationals.
They will need defensive improvement after conceding six goals over the same period.
A major concern will come in their attacking output, as Cesar will be without the influential Benjamin Sesko during the opening rounds of the Nations League due to an injury setback. Instead, Andraz Sporar will lead the line after scoring four in his last two club appearances.
Slovenia predicted lineup vs Scotland (5-3-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec, Janza; Begic, Elsnik, Cerin; Sporar, Sturm
Scotland Begin New Era Under Fresh Management
Steve Clarke’s long tenure as Scotland manager ended after the nation failed to qualify from the World Cup group stage, with former Belgium U18s and Monaco head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, appointed as his replacement.
Scotland were unable to score against higher-ranked nations Morocco and Brazil in the summer tournament, but they have netted nine goals in their previous five internationals.
Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean have withdrawn from the squad due to injury, while Andy Robertson is set to feature this week as he closes in on a century of Scotland caps.
Oli McBurnie will lead the line after clocking up one goal involvement in five Premier League appearances for Hull City this season.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Slovenia (4-3-3): Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; Christie, Gilmour, Ferguson; McGinn, McBurnie, Gannon-Doak
Slovenia vs Scotland Prediction
- Safe Tip: Total Under 3 Goals
- Odds: 1.29 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: VTPCJ
- Correct score prediction: Slovenia 0-1 Scotland
Key stats:
- Slovenia have failed to score more than once in eight of their last nine internationals.
- Scotland have kept clean sheets in half of their previous four fixtures.
- No more than three goals have been scored in three of the four head-to-heads.
A low-scoring encounter should be expected this Saturday. Slovenia’s attacking output will be hindered due to Sesko’s injury, and it is notable that they have not scored more than once in eight of their last nine internationals.
Scotland’s defensive strength will likely give them the platform to record a first win under their new manager, as the Scots have kept clean sheets in half of their last four fixtures. Notably, the head-to-head trends also support the chances of a low-scoring clash, with three of the four seeing no more than three goals.
Slovenia vs Scotland Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Scotland
- Odds: 2.765 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: FJRCJ
It could be a dream start to Pocognoli's managerial reign this weekend. Scotland’s reliable form has seen them win five of their last eight competitive fixtures, with their most recent losses coming against higher-ranked teams than Slovenia, in the form of Brazil and Morocco.
Slovenia’s lack of direct threat in the final third without Sesko will be a concern, and it can’t be overlooked that they haven’t scored in five of their last nine matches. Scotland have also avoided defeat in all five head-to-head meetings.
Verdict: Under 3 Goals (1.29) — Slovenia 0-1 Scotland