Scotland and Slovenia meet for the second time in this international break following their goalless draw on matchday one of the UEFA Nations League (UNL), with the victor set to claim a tangible advantage in the promotion race.
Match News and Current Form
Sébastien Pocognoli registered his first win as Scotland manager at the third time of asking, a 2-0 success against North Macedonia in which the scoreline ultimately didn’t match their dominance in the game. Now receiving red cards in each of their last two matches, Scotland’s disciplinary record is a clear area for improvement as they target a return to League A at the first time of asking. Playing in front of the Tartan Army in Glasgow should provide a morale boost, yet Scotland have fallen to defeat in two of their last three Hampden Park outings (W1).
Locked with Scotland on four points and an identical group record (W1, D1, L1) after a 2-1 loss in Switzerland in which they gave up an early lead, Slovenia know that victory here would give them the edge in the promotion run-in. A draw would also favour the visitors given their superior goal difference, and that seems like a probable outcome given that the visitors haven’t lost consecutive matches since June 2022. Slovenia have drawn seven of their ten games following defeats since then (W3), yet a return of just one win across their last seven away matches (D2, L4) should temper expectations.
Head-to-Head History
Scotland have never lost in six previous meetings against Slovenia (W2, D4), with both Scotland-held H2Hs producing under 1.5 goals.
Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Scotland’s last seven matches saw both teams score.
Three of Scotland’s last four games produced at least one goal in each half.
Seven of Slovenia’s last nine competitive fixtures produced under 9.5 corners.
None of Slovenia’s last six away games were settled by more than a one-goal margin.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
John McGinn scored only his second career penalty for Scotland last time out, which was also his 19th consecutive scoring appearance for club or country that ended in victory. Žan Vipotnik opened the scoring in vain in Slovenia’s defeat to Switzerland, meaning he’s been on the winning side in only three of his last eight scoring appearances for club and country (D3, L2).
Scotland’s Scott McKenna is suspended, while Slovenia seemingly have no fresh concerns.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Slovenia cannot be underestimated despite Scotland’s resurgence last time out, so backing the draw could provide a route to value.
Author: Matthew Billon
