Scotland finally made it to the World Cup and even opened their campaign with a win. But they then lost twice and failed to reach the playoffs. They began the autumn under a new coach, Pocognoli, and so far the young Belgian has been more of a disappointment. His new side picked up just one point from two matches against Slovenia and lost 0-3 to Switzerland. They have beaten only their current opponents, including away from home.
North Macedonia qualified for Euro 2020 and later battled for a place at the World Cup, but came up short in the playoffs. In March, for example, they lost 0-4 to Denmark. And they have struggled this autumn too: they have lost all of their previous four matches by an aggregate score of 0-10!
Scotland are currently scoring 1.2 goals per game and conceding slightly fewer, at 1.1. The group underdogs have fared much worse: they are averaging just 0.1 goals scored and a hefty 2.5 conceded.
Previous matches: Scotland vs North Macedonia
North Macedonia somehow won the first meeting between the sides, back in 2008. Since then, however, they have managed just one draw alongside three defeats.
The hosts should once again give their fans something to cheer about with a rare win, even with a “-1.5 goals” handicap (odds – 1.65).
Scotland vs North Macedonia: key stats and trends
Scotland have lost four of their last six matches
Both teams have scored in 20% of Scotland’s matches, with an average of 2.3 goals per game
North Macedonia have lost five matches in a row without scoring
Both teams have scored in 10% of North Macedonia’s matches, with an average of 2.6 goals per game
Scotland vs North Macedonia: possible starting lineups
Scotland are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation: Gunn — Binks, Welsh, McKenna — Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, Gilmour, Robertson — McGinn — Bowie, McBurnie
North Macedonia are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation: Dimitrievski — Mladenovski, Meljici, Musliu — Ilievski, Gashtarov, Stankovski, Herrera — Bardhi, Elmas — Miovski
