Scotland – Slovenia: prediction and preview

Scotland and Slovenia are level on 4 points in Group B1, well behind a perfect Switzerland, and battle for second place at Hampden. Pocognoli earned his first win against North Macedonia (0-2) after a 0-0 in Ljubljana and a 0-3 against Switzerland; Slovenia come off a 2-1 defeat in Switzerland. Scotland lose Scott McKenna, sent off in Skopje, and remain without Tierney, McLean, McTominay, Shankland and Che Adams; Jack Hendry returns from suspension and Luke Graham or Stephen Welsh could come into the back three of the 3-4-2-1. McGinn, Gilmour and Ferguson anchor midfield, with Bowie and McBurnie up front. Cesar is expected to stick with his 5-4-1, with Oblak in goal and Bijol at the heart of the defence, looking for Šturm and Vipotnik on the break. These are two low-scoring sides: Scotland score 0.67 per game and Slovenia concede 0.67. The site's statistical forecast gives 35% home, 31% draw and 34% away, with 1-0 the most likely score; a set piece could decide it.