Scotland’s search for a first home victory under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli continues with a match against North Macedonia on Friday evening.
It really is a must-win contest for the Tartan Army at Hampden Park, especially with North Macedonia in woeful form and the talismanic figure of Scott McTominay back in the fold.
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Where can I watch Scotland vs North Macedonia in the UK?
Scotland vs North Macedonia will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm UK time.
Scotland vs North Macedonia Preview
Recent results
Scotland kicked off their Nations League campaign in poor fashion, drawing 0-0 with Slovenia before suffering a 3-0 home loss to Switzerland. A 2-0 win in North Macedonia initially revived positivity levels, but the 2-1 defeat to Slovenia at Hampden Park on Matchday 4 was another evening to forget for Pocognoli and his players.
It has been four games and four defeats in this edition of the Nations League for struggling North Macedonia, with other losses suffered against Switzerland (0-3), Slovenia (2-0) and Switzerland (3-0) again.
Head-to-head record
This is the sixth meeting between these countries, with Scotland winning three of the previous four. North Macedonia’s sole victory was in the first-ever clash way back in September 2008.
Team news
*Squads may change
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers – Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Jon McCracken, Scott Bain
Defenders – Luis Binks, Luke Graham, Jack Hendry, Stephen Welsh, Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, James Penrice, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson
Midfielders – Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie, Kristi Montgomery, John McGinn, Josh McPake, Scott McTominay
Forwards – Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Ollie McBurnie, Robbie Ure
North Macedonia squad
Goalkeepers – Stole Dimitrievski, Davor Taleski, Damjan Siskovski
Defenders – Ezgjan Alioski, Visar Musliu, Bojan Ilievski, Gjoko Zajkov, Din Alomerovic, Anes Meljichi
Midfielders – Eljif Elmas, Enis Bardhi, Matej Gashtarov, Dimitar Mitrovski, Luka Stankovski, Ljupcho Doriev, Tihomir Kostadinov, Andrej Stojchevski, Gjorge Djekov, Agon Elezi
Forwards – Bojan Miovski, Elmin Rastoder, Azer Omeragic, Hristijan Maleski
Scotland vs North Macedonia Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Scotland are massive favourites here at a price of 1.17. A victory for North Macedonia is at long odds of 13.00, while the draw is 6.20.
Scotland vs North Macedonia Betting Tips
Both teams to score – No @ 1.43
To say North Macedonia are struggling to score goals is something of an understatement. Goce Sedloski’s side blanked in each of their last eight games, a truly woeful record. As such, it is easy to see why this BTTS pick is priced so low, though it still feels worth backing.
Scotland total goals – Over 2.5 @ 2.04
This represents a huge opportunity for Scotland to make a big statement and remind the world of their quality. With McTominay back available after minor heart surgery and Ollie McBurnie amongst the goals in a Hull jersey of late, we are backing the hosts to score at least three times. North Macedonia conceded over 2.5 in two of their previous three away games.
Anytime goalscorer – Scott McTominay @ 2.13
We mentioned McTominay’s return on a number of occasions, and it really is a big deal for Scotland. He is the team’s best player, while his recent form at Napoli suggests a readiness to deliver once again on the international stage. McTominay has five goals in his last six club appearances across all competitions, so backing him to strike here feels like a wise pre-match move to make.
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