Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is preparing to name his second national squad on Tuesday under intense scrutiny following consecutive home defeats in the Nations League. The former Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco manager faces a testing moment in League B1, with Scotland requiring at least four points from their upcoming home match against bottom-placed North Macedonia and an away test against the group-leading Swiss. Even to secure second place and keep promotion play-off hopes alive, the Scots rely on Slovenia dropping points against both opponents, while a defeat at Hampden raises the threat of finishing bottom and suffering relegation to League C.
Midfield options will be bolstered by the anticipated return of Scott McTominay, who missed Pocognoli's debut squad selection. The 29-year-old has made an immediate impression following minor heart surgery, scoring two doubles for Napoli. Napoli team-mate Billy Gilmour remains an automatic choice under Pocognoli despite recent substitute outings against Monza and Juventus, alongside Bologna regular Lewis Ferguson, who has enjoyed three straight Serie A victories. Ryan Christie has started four matches during Bournemouth's run of six consecutive clean-sheet victories, while John McGinn appeared as a substitute in Aston Villa's sole defeat in nine against the Cherries. However, midfield doubts linger over 34-year-old Kenny McLean, who has managed only 45 minutes for Norwich City since withdrawing from the previous camp, Blackburn's uncapped Kristi Montgomery, and Udinese's Lennon Miller following a 5-2 loss to Roma that left his club winless in eight.
Defensive concerns have also emerged, with Dinamo Zagreb centre-back Scott McKenna ruled out for the next two weeks. Stoke City's Luke Graham is making a case for his first Scotland start following three unbeaten matches without conceding, while Jack Hendry of Al-Ettifaq, Stephen Welsh of Swansea City, and Brondby's Luis Binks provide central options. At left-back, 32-year-old captain Andy Robertson enters following three straight wins with Tottenham Hotspur, competing with Celtic's Kieran Tierney and Sassuolo's Josh Doig, who recently featured in a 6-2 loss to Lazio. Right-back presents an ongoing challenge as Celtic's Colby Donovan is the only regular starter, with Brentford's Aaron Hickey and Torino's Nathan Patterson functioning primarily as substitutes. In goal, 34-year-old Scott Bain made a strong statement in Falkirk's first victory against Celtic in 19 years, while regular number one Angus Gunn was dropped to the bench by San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday after recent criticism.
Up front, Torino forward Che Adams is positioned for a recall after scoring twice in four matches, and Hull City's Oli McBurnie has staked a claim with his first two goals of the campaign in the Premier League, despite his club being winless in eight. Rangers' Lawrence Shankland remains out injured, while Sassuolo's 24-year-old Kieron Bowie has not scored in five appearances since netting against North Macedonia. Robbie Ure has scored twice for Sevilla since the last break, while Heart of Midlothian's James Wilson is without a goal in eight matches. Should Pocognoli deploy wingers, options include Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak, Hearts' Josh McPake, and Rangers' Findlay Curtis. Nailing down the right starting lineup from this pool represents a major tactical challenge for the Belgian manager ahead of two critical fixtures.