Scotland face Slovenia in Nations League bid to extend winning momentum

Scotland will host Slovenia in a UEFA Nations League Group B1 match on Tuesday, 6 October at Hampden Park, seeking to build on their 2-0 victory over North Macedonia and secure consecutive wins under new head coach Sébastien Pocognoli.

Pocognoli's first campaign began with a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia in Ljubljana, followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Switzerland in which Scotland played with ten men after defender Jack Hendry was sent off in the 11th minute. The Scots responded with a dominant display in Skopje on Saturday, with Kieron Bowie scoring an early goal and John McGinn adding a penalty in the second half. Scotland created multiple chances but failed to extend their lead further. The victory marked Pocognoli's opening win and came on a historic evening when captain Andy Robertson became only the second male player after Sir Kenny Dalglish to reach 100 caps for Scotland.

Both teams currently sit on four points from three matches, with Slovenia ahead on goal difference. Slovenia beat North Macedonia 2-1 but lost 2-1 to Switzerland in their most recent outing. Pocognoli emphasized the importance of translating his side's improved performance into a home victory, stating: "If you draw away, you have to deliver something at home." He acknowledged criticism over missed chances but stressed that creating opportunities is a positive sign under his new approach. "We create more chances, so that's a positive with the new group of players with totally new principle," he said.

Pocognoli has recalled Rangers winger Findlay Curtis into the senior squad after the 20-year-old provided four assists in Scotland Under-21s' 5-2 victory over Azerbaijan last week. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is expected to earn his 50th cap for Scotland on Tuesday. Centre-back Scott McKenna is suspended following a late red card against North Macedonia, though Jack Hendry has completed his one-game ban. Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar acknowledged Scotland's quality, stating his team would need to be "very disciplined" and deliver "a fantastic 90 minutes" to compete. Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik will lead Slovenia's attack after scoring against Switzerland, with Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United unavailable.

Scotland have met Slovenia twice previously in 2018 World Cup qualifying, winning 1-0 in Glasgow before drawing 2-2 in Ljubljana, a result that narrowly cost them a play-off place on goal difference. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT and will be broadcast live on BBC Two Scotland and BBC iPlayer.