Scotland’s new faces pose selection question for Slovenia match
Sebastien Pocognoli has brought new faces into Scotland’s squad for Saturday’s Nations League match in Slovenia, but former players expect a familiar starting side.
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Pocognoli initially named eight uncapped players in a 27-man squad, although Findlay Curtis and James Wilson have since been released to the under-21s. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin told BBC Sport it would be “slightly bizarre” to start more than two uncapped players against Slovenia. Fellow former international James McFadden expects a “pretty similar” team without “big surprises”. [1]
A back three is one possibility, based on Pocognoli’s previous approach, but no formation has been announced. Stephen Welsh, Luke Graham and Luis Binks are all new to the Scotland set-up. McFadden suggested Aaron Hickey, a right-back for Brentford, could play on the right of a back three and carry the ball forward. [1]
In attack, BBC Sport considers 16-cap Oli McBurnie the favourite to lead the line. McFadden said McBurnie was returning with “a point to prove”. [1]
Scotland are due to play Slovenia at Stadion Stozice in Ljubljana on Saturday at 14:00 BST. Pocognoli’s starting XI and formation have yet to be announced. [1]
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