Slovenia host Scotland in the first round of the Nations League matches, as Scotland prepares for a new era after the departure of Steve Clarke. The former West Bromwich Albion manager has been replaced by a former Baggies defender, Sebastien Pocognoli.
Slovenia will be without the services of Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, who continues to be ruled out with a persistent shin injury he picked up against Liverpool last season. As for Scotland, Pocognoli has rewarded Oliver McBurnie with a call-up after his surprise omission from the World Cup squad, considering he scored the most goals of any Scotland striker in the 2025/26 season.
The home side have had defensive issues recently, as Slovenia have not kept a clean sheet in six matches, conceding first in five of their last six games. Slovenia are winless in their last four matches on home soil with three draws against Sweden (2-2), Switzerland (0-0) and Cyprus (1-1). Slovenia's most recent competitive game ended in defeat with a 2-0 loss to Kosovo.
Pocognoli will be looking for a positive start as Scotland manager, and signs point towards a victory for the Tartan Army. Scotland have won three of their last five international matches, with the two defeats coming against vastly superior opposition in Morocco (0-1) & Brazil (0-3). Scotland's record against European opposition has been strong as of late, with the Scots winning four of their last six competitive games against teams from the same continent.
This will be a tough victory for Scotland to obtain. Scotland have also had their problems in the defensive areas, conceding first in five of their last seven games and with BTTS landing in four of the last five involving Slovenia.
We predict a narrow 2-1 win for Scotland.
Slovenia 1-2 Scotland
