Pocognoli Faces Key Selection Calls as Scotland Seek First Win in North Macedonia

Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli is still seeking his first win after two matches in charge yielded one point and no goals. A home debut against Switzerland was hampered by an early red card, making Saturday's trip to North Macedonia even more crucial.

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn has faced scrutiny after a poor performance against the Swiss, with pundit Andy Halliday criticising his failure to keep out Ricardo Rodriguez's opener. Gunn's club form with San Jose Earthquakes has also been shaky, conceding 23 goals in 11 games. However, with limited alternatives, Pocognoli may retain him despite calls for change.

In defence, Stephen Welsh impressed on his debut in Slovenia and again after replacing the sent-off Jack Hendry against Switzerland. His versatility and ball-carrying ability suit Pocognoli's style, and with Hendry suspended, Welsh is likely to start in Skopje.

Winger Ben Gannon-Doak has yet to start but has made a notable impact as a substitute. Halliday suggested he would be "shocked" if Gannon-Doak didn't start against the group's bottom side. However, fitting him into the 3-4-1-2 system is tricky, with wing-back his most likely role despite defensive concerns.

John McGinn, on 91 caps, has not reached his Aston Villa levels for Scotland recently but remains a key creative force. Pocognoli must decide whether to keep him in the starting lineup as he seeks more from the vice-captain.

Up front, Kieron Bowie is expected to get another chance after his first start was cut short by Hendry's red card. His partnership with Oli McBurnie showed promise, and McBurnie's work-rate has been commendable. Scotland have now gone four games without a goal, just 25 minutes away from a new record for failing to score, highlighting the urgency for a breakthrough.

Source: BBC Sport