Sebastien Pocognoli’s first Scotland starting XI predicted as uncapped defender and Oli McBurnie get nod

Sebastien Pocognoli is preparing to lead Scotland for the first time in their Nations League opener against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday. The 39-year-old manager will make his debut following a training camp in La Manga, where he worked with a squad featuring 14 players not involved in the previous World Cup, including eight uncapped individuals.

Pocognoli succeeded Steve Clarke, who managed the national side for seven years across 81 matches. Ahead of the fixture at Stadion Stožice, Scotland's 27-man squad offers multiple tactical options, with past managerial roles at Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco suggesting Pocognoli may utilize a 3-4-1-2 formation.