Slovenia vs Scotland – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday afternoon, Eslovênia will host Escócia at Stadion Stozice for the opening match of League B Group 1 in the UEFA Nations League.

The home side has managed only one victory from their last 10 matches, while the visitors are coming off two consecutive defeats in their recent outings.

Match overview

Eslovênia ensured their status in League B of the Nations League by securing a 1-0 aggregate victory against Eslováquia during the promotion/relegation play-offs in March 2025.

Building on that success with back-to-back friendly wins, Eslovênia faced a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

They could only manage to draw four and lost two out of their six qualifying matches, finishing third and trailing second-placed Kosovo by a notable seven points.

This lackluster trend has persisted into 2026, where Eslovênia has secured one win, one draw, and experienced two defeats in their four international friendlies this year.

Desperate to reverse this frustrating streak and begin the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League on a positive note, Eslovênia welcomes Escócia to Stadion Stozice.

Escócia, in contrast, could not maintain their place in League A of the Nations League back in March 2025, as they were eliminated by Grécia with a 3-1 aggregate score in the play-off match.

Although they began their campaign with another loss against Islândia, falling 3-1, Escócia rebounded significantly in the months that followed.

They managed to win five of their following seven matches, including four victories in UEFA World Cup qualifying, which secured their place at the tournament with a top finish in their group.

However, Steve Clarke’s team could not progress from a tough Group C during the summer tournament in 2026, registering a win over Haiti (1-0) but suffering defeats to Marrocos and Brasil, leading to their exit.

Following their elimination, Steve Clarke resigned, and Sebastien Pocognoli stepped in as the head coach. Pocognoli will lead his first match from the sidelines on Saturday.

Pocognoli will be eager to start his tenure with a win, as Escócia draws confidence from their strong head-to-head record in this matchup, remaining unbeaten in their last five meetings with two wins and three draws.

Team News

Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Eslovênia squad as he continues recovery from a persistent shin injury, leaving Andraz Sporar likely to take the lead in attack.

In support roles, Zan Vipotnik and Tomi Horvat could contribute from the midfield, while Jaka Bijol and Vanja Drkusic are expected to partner in defense.

On the other hand, Escócia will be without Lawrence Shankland, Scott McTominay, and Che Adams due to fitness concerns, which leaves Pocognoli without these experienced players for his debut fixture.

Recently recalled Oli McBurnie is set to start alongside Robbie Ure in the forward line, with John McGinn providing support just behind them.

Eslovênia probable starting XI:

Cloud; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Brekalo; Lovric, Cerin, Elsnik; Horvat, Vipotnik; Disputer

Escócia probable starting XI:

Gunn; Welsh, Binks, McKenna; Hickey, Ferguson, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn; Ure, McBurnie

While Eslovênia may have the advantage of playing at home, Escócia will be eager to claim victory in their first match under Pocognoli, and given their strong record in this fixture, we expect the away team to come out on top.