Slovenia vs Scotland Predictions & Tips - Scotland Double Chance Tipped in Nations League Opener
Slovenia host Scotland in Ljubljana to kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign, with both teams seeking a fresh start after lackluster World Cup performances. Slovenia enter the match with key absentees and poor recent form, while Scotland, now led by new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, field a youthful squad and carry a strong head-to-head advantage. With Slovenia's talisman Sesko missing and the Scots unbeaten in their last five meetings, a double chance on Scotland to avoid defeat is recommended.
- Scotland begin Nations League campaign in Slovenia
- Scots tipped to avoid defeat in Ljubljana on Saturday
- Get our Slovenia vs Scotland tips in the UEFA Nations League
- Slovenia vs Scotland Predictions
- Scots Can Avoid Defeat
- Scotland Hold H2H Advantage
- Slovenia Struggles Continue
- Scotland Look to Recover from World Cup Exit
- Slovenia vs Scotland Squads & Team News
Slovenia vs Scotland Predictions
Slovenia and Scotland meet at Stadion Stozice in Ljubljana as both nations begin their UEFA Nations League League B campaign.
While neither side has been in great form, the Scots should have enough quality to at least avoid defeat.
Scotland double chance is my best bet this weekend.
Scots Can Avoid Defeat
- Slovenia failed to win 9 of their last 10 matches
- Scotland are unbeaten in their last 5 matches against Slovenia
- Scotland won 3 of their last 5 matches
- Scotland are unbeaten in 5 of their last 6 away matches (competitive fixtures)
Scotland Hold H2H Advantage
Slovenia and Scotland have met on five previous occasions. Scotland won three of those games while two matches finished level.
Scotland picked up a 2-2 draw on their last visit to Ljubljana in a crucial World Cup qualifier nine years ago.
Slovenia Struggles Continue
Slovenia begin their Nations League campaign after a narrow 2-1 defeat against Balkan rivals Croatia in June.
Andraz Sporar cancelled out Luka Modric’s opener in the 83rd minute before Mario Pasalic’s stoppage-time goal secured friendly spoils for the Croats.
Both nations created several good chances in an entertaining encounter in Varazdin. Despite registering nine fewer shots (22-13), Slovenia finished with a higher xG total (2.11-1.29).
Bostjan Cesar’s side have endured a tough year, with only one win recorded in 12 games played since June 2025.
A desperately disappointing World Cup qualification campaign saw Slovenia fail to win any of their six fixtures, finishing a distant third in Group B, ten points behind section winners Switzerland.
An inability to turn draws into victories has been the biggest issue for Cesar’s men. Slovenia were held to draws in five of their last ten matches.
Short in the forward areas, Slovenia scored just four goals in their last eight competitive fixtures.
Scotland Look to Recover from World Cup Exit
Scotland begin a new era with their first fixture since the appointment of Sebastien Pocognoli in August.
Long-serving boss Steve Clarke departed after a disappointing World Cup campaign saw the Scots again eliminated in the group phase.
Despite a hard-fought 1-0 win against Haiti in their opening fixture in Boston, subsequent limp defeats against Morocco (1-0) and Brazil (3-0) ensured the Scots' early flight home, and Clarke’s quickfire resignation.
Again accused of a lack of ambition and attacking intent, Scotland finished the tournament with just one goal and a combined xG total of 2.6.
Pocognoli now takes charge of a much-changed Scottish side with all five strikers included in the World Cup selection missing out on the Nations League squad.
A strong record in recent World Cup qualifiers should give the Scots encouragement this week. The visitors are unbeaten in nine of 11 competitive fixtures before the World Cup.
On the road, Scotland have claimed some impressive results in the past couple of years, including away wins against Greece and Poland, and a goalless draw against Denmark.
Slovenia vs Scotland Squads & Team News
Slovenia Squad
Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak, Igor Vekic, Matevz Vidovsek
Defenders: Jaka Bijol, Vanja Drkusic, Zan Karnicnik, Erik Janza, David Brekalo, David Zec, Srdjan Kuzmic, Jost Urbancic, Zan Zaletel
Midfielders: Timi Max Elsnik, Adam Gnezda Cerin, Sandi Lovric, Benjamin Verbic, Tomi Horvat, Danijel Sturm, Aljosa Matko, Tamar Svetlin, Mark Zabukovnik
Forwards: Zan Vipotnik, Andraz Sporar, Nik Prelec, Tjas Begic
Slovenian boss Bostjan Cesar named an experienced 26-man squad for Slovenia’s four Nations League fixtures.
Back-up goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban is the only uncapped player included in the selection.
Benjamin Sesko has been ruled out after Manchester United blocked his release due to a recurring shin injury.
Slovan Bratislava forward Andraz Sporar is instead expected to spearhead the Slovenia attack on Saturday.
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Scott Bain, Jon McCracken
Defenders: Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson, Josh Doig, Jack Hendry, Colby Donovan, Luis Binks, Stephen Welsh, Luke Graham
Midfielders: John McGinn, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lennon Miller, Josh McPake, Kenny McLean, Kristi Montgomery
Forwards: Robbie Ure, Oli McBurnie, Kieron Bowie, James Wilson
Head coach Pocognoli has named several new faces in his first-ever Scottish selection.
Sevilla forward Robbie Ure is one of eight uncapped players included in the squad. Hull striker Oli McBurnie has also been selected after a five-year absence.
The Belgian boss has some key absentees this weekend. Scott McTominay is unavailable after undergoing a heart procedure, while Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean have withdrawn from the squad.
World Cup forwards Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland, Lyndon Dykes, Ross Stewart and George Hirst are not involved.
Pocognoli admits to feeling a "positive nervousness" before his first game in charge of the Scots.
"If we talk about nerves, yes, but it's a positive nervousness," he told BBC Sport Scotland. "We have a job with responsibility. It's excitement, and I'm just passionate about being on the touchline."
Verdict
A fresh-looking Scottish side should be confident of securing a positive result in Sebastien Pocognoli’s first match in the hot seat.
With Slovenia missing talisman Benjamin Sesko, I fancy the visitors to at least avoid defeat this weekend.
Scotland or Draw
Double Chance
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Scotland Win
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Scotland 2-1
Correct Score
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A huge fan of the goal markets, he specialises in BTTS and over 2.5 goal picks from the MLS to the Bundesliga and beyond.
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