# New Scotland coach Pocognoli's first test

> Pocognoli faces unpredictable lineup choices for Scotland's Nations League opener
- Title: New Scotland coach Pocognoli's first test · BBC Sport
- Summary: Pocognoli faces unpredictable lineup choices for Scotland's Nations League opener Pocognoli balances new and experienced players to maintain team cohesion in…
- Keywords: sebastien pocognoli, scotland men's team, nations league, sehawks, belgium, union saint-gilloise, monaco, steve clarke, findlay curtis, james wilson, ljubljana, sports
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cje3reed6dx4o
- Published: 2026-09-25T07:04:36.92+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sebastien pocognoli, scotland men's team, nations league, sehawks, belgium, union saint-gilloise, monaco, steve clarke, findlay curtis, james wilson, ljubljana, sports
## Who starts in back three?
Pocognoli favors three center-backs with Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna likely starters due to experience and physical profile.

> Pocognoli said he is keen to strike a balance between new and old faces to keep the cohesion in the team
## Wingers under pressure?
Pocognoli's two narrow attackers strategy may squeeze out Scotland's wide attacking options like Ben Gannon-Doak and Josh McPake.
## Striker dilemma
Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure, and Oli McBurnie are striker options with McBurnie aiming to prove himself after a period without international form.

> McBurnie says he has a point to prove after a few years in the international wilderness
## Pocognoli's first game
Pocognoli's first match with Scotland is against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday at 14:00 BST.
## Formation shift
Pocognoli typically uses a 3-4-2-1 formation, meaning Scotland may play with three center-backs in their Nations League opener.
## Key players
Andy Robertson will win his 98th cap at left wing-back, with Aaron Hickey likely to start on the other side.
## Key takeaway

Pocognoli balances new and experienced players to maintain team cohesion in Scotland's first match