Scotland head to Skopje on Saturday still searching for their first win under Sébastien Pocognoli.

There were encouraging signs in the opening 0-0 draw with Slovenia, but Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Switzerland was a much rougher evening. Jack Hendry’s red card after just 11 minutes left Scotland chasing the game with ten men.

North Macedonia have started even worse. They have lost to Switzerland and Slovenia without scoring, leaving them bottom of Nations League Group B1.

In fact, Goce Sedloski’s side have now gone six consecutive matches without scoring. Scotland aren’t exactly firing either, having failed to find the net in their last four.

Something should probably go in eventually.

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What are the best betting tips for North Macedonia vs Scotland?

Scotland draw no bet

Backing Scotland outright after four consecutive games without a goal takes a little more faith than we’d like.

The draw-no-bet market offers some protection.

Pocognoli’s side were much better than the 3-0 scoreline against Switzerland suggests. Hendry’s early dismissal completely changed the game, while Scotland had also produced an improved second-half performance in Slovenia a few days earlier.

North Macedonia have more serious problems.

They lost 3-0 at home to Switzerland before a 2-0 defeat in Slovenia. Sedloski is yet to win any of his first five games in charge, while his team haven’t scored during that run.

Scotland have also lost just once in their last seven away matches across all competitions, keeping five clean sheets.

If they can finally remember where the goal is, this looks like an excellent opportunity to get Pocognoli’s first victory.

Under 2.5 goals

This isn’t exactly a meeting between two free-scoring attacks.

North Macedonia have failed to score in six straight games, setting an unwanted national record. Scotland have gone 422 minutes without a goal themselves.

That is ten consecutive matches without scoring between the two sides.

North Macedonia are likely to approach this cautiously after conceding five goals across their opening two Nations League fixtures. Scotland, meanwhile, don’t need to turn the game into an end-to-end contest.

Their opening match against Slovenia finished 0-0, and five of Scotland’s last seven away games have ended with a clean sheet.

One goal could be enough to settle this.

Billy Gilmour 1+ shot on target

If Scotland are going to break their scoring drought, Gilmour should see plenty of the ball.

The Napoli midfielder has been one of the brighter performers during Pocognoli’s first two games. His second-half display against Slovenia was particularly impressive, with the new Scotland boss praising his willingness to take risks in possession.

Pocognoli said:

“We don’t have a lot of players like this.”

North Macedonia should defend considerably deeper than Switzerland, giving Gilmour opportunities around the edge of the penalty area.

We’re not asking him to suddenly turn into Scott McTominay and start scoring every other international break. One effort on target will do.

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Where can I watch North Macedonia vs Scotland?

North Macedonia host Scotland at the Nacionalna Arena Toše Proeski in Skopje on Saturday, October 3, with kick-off at 7:45 pm BST.

The match will be shown live on BBC Two Scotland, with coverage beginning at 7:30 pm. It will also be available through the BBC Scotland website and BBC iPlayer.

What have the managers said?

Goce Sedloski:

Sedloski has faced criticism after North Macedonia’s poor start, but the former defender has asked supporters to stick with a young squad.

“We have rejuvenated the national team and I will continue to rejuvenate it. Let the criticism come to me.”

The North Macedonia boss also made it clear that he doesn’t want his side getting dragged into Scotland’s more physical approach.

“Scotland are a team that play long balls and put a lot of balls into the penalty area.”

Sedloski added that North Macedonia must neutralise that threat rather than “accept their game”.

Ezgjan Alioski has returned to training ahead of the game, while Sedloski confirmed on Friday that the rest of his available squad is healthy.

Sébastien Pocognoli:

Pocognoli wants Scotland to put Tuesday’s defeat behind them quickly.

“We have to go to North Macedonia and start from zero.”

The Scotland boss believes his players have responded well despite taking only one point from his opening two games.

“We need a good result for the staff, who have been working hard, and also for the players, who have had a top-class attitude and work ethic since day one.”

Pocognoli also acknowledged the importance of getting a victory in Skopje if Scotland want to climb the group.

What is North Macedonia’s predicted team?

(4-2-3-1) Dimitrievski; Ilievski, Zajkov, Musliu, Alomerović; Atanasov, Gashtarov; Mitrovski, Bardhi, Elmas; Miovski.

Doubts: Ezgjan Alioski.

Sedloski has indicated that he could make two or three changes after the defeat in Slovenia. He has even suggested a switch to two strikers is possible.

Captain Enis Bardhi should continue behind Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski, while teenage midfielder Matej Gashtarov is pushing to retain his place.

What is Scotland’s predicted team?

(3-4-1-2) Gunn; Binks, McKenna, Welsh; Hickey, Gilmour, Ferguson, Robertson; McGinn; Bowie, McBurnie.

Injured: Scott McTominay, Ché Adams.

Suspended: Jack Hendry.

Hendry must sit this one out following his red card against Switzerland, so Pocognoli is guaranteed to make at least one defensive change.

Andy Robertson is expected to captain Scotland on his 100th international appearance, while John McGinn could move outright into third place on Scotland’s all-time appearance list.

Oli McBurnie has done enough across the opening two games to keep his place up front. Kieron Bowie and Robbie Ure are competing to partner him.

North Macedonia vs Scotland prediction

Neither side arrives in Skopje with much confidence in front of goal.

North Macedonia have gone six matches without scoring. Scotland have gone four. It would be ambitious to expect a classic.

There have at least been signs that Pocognoli’s ideas are beginning to take shape. Scotland were improved after half-time against Slovenia, while the Switzerland defeat became extremely difficult to judge after Hendry’s early dismissal.

North Macedonia look vulnerable and have already conceded five times in Group B1.

Scotland may only need one.

Score prediction: North Macedonia 0-1 Scotland

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