Scotland predicted line-up vs North Macedonia: two key changes as Aston Villa and Tottenham gems start

Scotland are back in action on Saturday night, when they take on North Macedonia at Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje. Sebastien Pocognoli’s side head into the game in dire need of a win, having endured a frustrating goalless draw in Slovenia last weekend before being thumped 3-0 at home to Switzerland in midweek.

The latter result was particularly frustrating, given that Scotland were reduced to ten men after just eleven minutes, when Jack Hendry felled a Swiss attacker who was through on goal. His intervention came in vain, as Ricardo Rodriguez subsequently blasted home the resulting free-kick, before two further goals were added into the second half.

Scotland will be without Hendry for their trip to North Macedonia due to his suspension, but there are no serious injury concerns for Pocognoli ahead of the must-win game. This is the most likely starting XI Scotland will field to take on a side they’ve not faced since all the way back in 2013.

Scotland predicted line-up vs North Macedonia: goalkeeper and defence

GK - Angus Gunn: Scotland’s number one wasn’t at his best against the Swiss, with his shot-stopping ability coming under close scrutiny. With little in the way of competition for his starting spot, however, the San Jose Earthquakes stopper looks set to continue between the sticks for the foreseeable future.

RWB - Aaron Hickey: The Brentford gem was rested against the Swiss to manage his workload, but Nathan Patterson once again struggled while filling in. Hickey will likely reclaim his position at right wing-back against North Macedonia, and look to cause some chaos down the flank with his direct dribbling and precision crossing ability.

CB - Stephen Welsh: Welsh’s Hampden debut came in far from ideal circumstances, as he was substituted on to the field following Hendry’s red card. With the latter suspended, the Swansea City star looks set to start on the right side of a back three, with Pocognoli unlikely to switch up his preferred formation.

CB - Scott McKenna: With over 50 senior caps to his name, McKenna has become an important part of Scotland’s back line. The experienced 29-year-old will start in the heart of defence, and look to provide some composure against a North Macedonia side who are likely to take the game to their opponents in what they’ll view as a ‘must-win’ match.

CB - Lewis Binks: Like Welsh, Binks is a new player looking to forge a career with Scotland after bagging his first call-up under Pocognoli. The Kent-born Brondby star has excelled in the Danish top tier over the past couple of seasons, and should be an invaluable addition to the national team pool going forward.

LWB - Andrew Robertson: Given Tottenham’s dire form so far this season that sees them lying rock bottom of the Premier League, Robertson will no doubt have been delighted to escape on international duty. It will be a momentous evening indeed for the ex-Liverpool star, who will make his 100th appearance for Scotland over 12 years on from his debut.

Scotland predicted line-up vs North Macedonia: midfield and attack

CM - Billy Gilmour: Injury problems at Napoli have seen Gilmour finally get some Serie A starts this season, and he looks to have benefitted greatly from the time spent on the field. He’s been Scotland’s standout star in the international break so far, and will be looking to tie North Macedonia up in knots with his intricate, incisive style of passing.

CM - Lewis Ferguson: Gilmour’s fellow Scot in Serie A is set to start in midfield again, in a technically gifted pairing that will benefit from the three central defenders behind them for support. He’ll be making his 30th Scotland appearance, and will be hopeful of adding to the one goal he’s managed to score for the side so far.

AMC - John McGinn: The Aston Villa skipper is also closing in on the big century of caps like Robertson, and will make it 92 appearances against North Macedonia. Alongside his Villa teammate Ross Barkley, he’s lost possession more times than any other Premier League footballer so far this season, but should have no trouble holding on to the ball against Saturday’s relatively lowly opposition.

ST - Ollie McBurnie: Up top, the Hull City sensation will lead the line once again. All his gameplay as been missing is a goal since his return to the Scotland fold, with his hold-up play impressing fans and pundits alike. If there was ever a time to end his 18-game run without scoring for Scotland, it’s now.

ST - Robbie Ure: He was dropped for Kieron Bowie against Switzerland but could be recalled to the side after an encouraging debut against Slovenia. The ex-Rangers prospect dazzled in Sweden with top tier side Sirius last season, scoring 20 goals in 20 games, but is yet to open his account for new club Sevilla after seven matches so far this season.

Scotland predicted XI vs North Macedonia: Gunn; Welsh, McKenna, Binks; Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn; McBurnie, Ure.

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