Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of his first game at Hampden on Tuesday against Switzerland, live on the BBC, after an encouraging draw in his opening game away to Slovenia. The Belgian chose eight uncapped players in his first squad with two of them - Robbie Ure and Stephen Welsh - making the starting XI in Ljubljana. Ben Gannon-Doak and Kieron Bowie were the only substitutes used as Scotland dominated the second half but could not find a way to break the deadlock.
The Swiss represent a big step up in opposition, so will Pocognoli be tempted to tweak his team selection in Glasgow? Scotland used three centre-backs on Saturday as Jack Hendry and Welsh flanked Scott McKenna. Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey were used as wing-backs, tasked with whipping crosses in for the attacking duo of Oli McBurnie and Ure.
There were some worrying signs in the opening 45 minutes in Slovenia as the hosts routinely stole in behind Scotland's high line. However, it is unlikely the new boss will move away from his defensive strategy so early in his reign. "We had a lot of good movement through the side, through the lines and we should have scored to be honest," he said after the goalless game.
"But the counter-press was good, the high [line] of the defence was good, just because the position of the players was better [in the second half]. "Clean sheet, that's also positive, but we want to win." Uncapped pair Luis Binks and Luke Graham are the other centre-halves in the squad, so there's a good chance we see the same trio starting. At the weekend, Gannon-Doak was introduced with just over 10 minutes and added menace to Scotland's attack.
Although he replaced Hickey, the Bournemouth winger is not an obvious fit at wing-back. Might Pocognoli be tempted to use his searing pace up top rather than go with two strikers? With four Nations League matches across 11 days in this window, utilising the squad will be key.
Hearts winger Josh McPake could also add a different dimension to the front line, after a bright start to the season for Hearts. John McGinn started as a number 10 in Slovenia and was rather subdued but his experience, running power and goal threat make him such a key player for Scotland. Billy Gilmour was Scotland's stand-out performer on Pocognoli's debut and really took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
