New-look Scotland squad, but familiar starting XI expected for Slovenia clash

Scotland begin their Nations League campaign away to Slovenia at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana on Saturday, 26 September. The squad has been training in La Manga, Spain, before flying to the Slovenian capital on Friday.

New head coach Sebastien Pocognoli named eight uncapped players in his 27-man squad, while releasing Findlay Curtis and James Wilson to the under-21s. The overhaul has been welcomed by supporters who had called for fresh faces after a difficult period for the national team.

Familiar faces likely to start

Former internationals Pat Nevin and James McFadden offered contrasting but cautious views on how much the lineup itself will change. Nevin said it would be "slightly bizarre" to see more than two uncapped players start, while McFadden expects the team to look "pretty similar" without major surprises.

Defensively, Pocognoli is expected to set up with a back three. New additions Stephen Welsh, Luke Graham and Luis Binks may hint at future plans, but Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna remain favourites for now. McFadden suggested using Brentford right-back Aaron Hickey as a right-sided centre-back to add more forward drive from the back line.

In midfield, Billy Gilmour is expected to start after scoring for Napoli in his final match before international duty, having been missed at the World Cup. He is likely to be paired with Lewis Ferguson, with captain Andy Robertson at left wing-back. Aston Villa captain John McGinn remains central to the midfield, while Scott McTominay is absent as he recovers from minor heart surgery.

Up front, experienced striker Oli McBurnie is the favourite to lead the line after a long international absence, with pundits noting he returns with something to prove. Bournemouth's Ryan Christie is tipped for the remaining spot on the left of the front three, with Ben Gannon-Doak expected on the right.