Scotland v Slovenia: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch

Preview for Scotland v Slovenia

Hampden will get the opportunity on Tuesday night to pay tribute to Scotland full-back Andy Robertson, who made his 100th appearance for his country in the weekend win over North Macedonia.

Robertson played the full 90 minutes in Skopje as Scotland held on to register their first victory in Group B1 of the Nations League despite the late dismissal of centre-half Scott McKenna. It was also a first triumph for new boss Sebastien Pocognoli.

The Belgian will expect another three-point haul against Slovenia but the majority of the Tartan Army will be turning up to show their admiration for Robertson, who became just the second Scottish player after Kenny Dalglish to reach the landmark.

The Tottenham left-back said: “It means everything to me [hitting 100 caps], it means everything to my family.

“I’ve been away now 100 times, I’ve got to feel sorry for my wife! It’s been an unbelievable journey, I remember my first game and it’s been a process since then.

“It’s emotional for me. I love this country, there’s only one person before me in the men’s game to do that, it’s a pretty special achievement.”

A win against Slovenia would move Scotland into second place in the pool and keep them within touching distance of runaway leaders Switzerland.

Pocognoli has not been afraid to look outside the usual channels for talent and McKenna’s absence through suspension is likely to mean Brondby captain Luis Binks retains his place at the heart of the defence.

England-born Binks has played the last two games and is relishing the opportunity to play international football.

“I always felt at home playing for Scotland,” he said. “It felt like you were playing with your mates.

“I never spoke to the Scottish FA, or the old manager, but I just knew, if I carried on playing how I was playing at my club, and developing how I was, then there would be eyes [on me].

“I knew there was a bit of a pathway.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind because obviously it’s my first camp and I came into it not really knowing how I’d fit in or if I’d play.

“To play the last two games is brilliant for me and my development – and I always said, when you’re around good players and experienced players, it makes you better.”

Slovenia have an identical points tally to Scotland and played well in Lucerne against the Swiss at the weekend before slipping to a 2-1 defeat.

And Milivoje Novakovic, assistant to head coach Bostjan Cesar, is confident his team can come away with an important win.

He said: “If we look at where our players play and theirs, the difference is clear. The Scots play in very good clubs, so I say that we are not the favorites. 

“But they do not have the atmosphere that has adorned Slovenia for several years – desire, fighting spirit, attitude towards the jersey.”

Nations League Group B1 Table

Team News for Scotland v Slovenia

McKenna is suspended but Jack Hendry is expected to replace him having completed his own ban. Otherwise, Pocognoli is expected to select a similar XI to that which performed well in North Macedonia.

Slovenia have no fresh injury concerns and Cesar will have an unchanged squad to that which faced Switzerland.

Expected line-ups for Scotland v Slovenia

Scotland: Gunn; Welsh, Hendry, Binks; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, McBurnie; Bowie

Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Zec, Janza; Matko, Zabukovnik, Lovric, Sturm; Vipotnik

Recent Form & Stats for Scotland v Slovenia

• Scotland have won two and drawn four of the countries’ previous six meetings
• Slovenia have never scored against Scotland in Scotland. The two games ended 0-0 (2004) and 1-0 to Scotland (2017).
• Scotland have scored three goals in their last six games, while Slovenia have scored eight. Both teams have conceded seven in that run.
• In the first meeting against Slovenia, Scotland had 17 shots but only five on target, and all five came in the second half. Against North Macedonia on Saturday they had 10 shots on target, more than any other side on matchday 3.
• Slovenia’s away form is poor: one win in their last seven away games (two draws, four defeats).

Where to Watch Scotland v Slovenia: TV and online streams

Scotland versus Slovenia kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday night. You can watch it on BBC Scotland and stream via the iPlayer.

Prediction for Scotland v Slovenia

The win in Skopje will have done wonders for Scotland’s self-belief and they ought to be too strong for Slovenia in front of an expectant Hampden crowd.

Scotland

2 – 1

Slovenia

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