Sebastien Pocognoli to make Scotland debut against Slovenia in Nations League

Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of Scotland for the first time when they face Slovenia in a Nations League match in Ljubljana on Saturday, 26 September at 14:00 BST, live on the BBC. He named eight uncapped players in his first squad and released Findlay Curtis and James Wilson to the under-21s, leaving the likely starting line-up uncertain.

When manager of Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco, Pocognoli generally favoured a 3-4-2-1 formation and its variations, making a back three a probable shape for the Nations League opener. Five centre-backs were included in his squad, and Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna — survivors from Steve Clarke's World Cup group — are viewed as likely starters. Pocognoli said he is keen to strike a balance between new and old faces "to keep the cohesion in the team". That combination of experience and physical profile is cited as suited to the aggressive style the head coach wants.

The final centre-back role is expected to be contested by Swansea City's Stephen Welsh, Stoke City's Luke Graham and Brondby captain Luis Binks. Welsh is the only right-footed option among the three, which could give him an advantage if McKenna operates on the left and Hendry in the middle. Alternatively, Graham's recent experience playing on the left of a back three for Stoke might allow McKenna to occupy the central position and Hendry to shift to the right.

Andy Robertson is certain to win his 98th cap at left wing-back, with Aaron Hickey likely to start on the opposite flank. Pocognoli's tendency to use two narrow attackers either side of a centre forward while relying on wing-backs for width raises questions about the role for traditional wingers in his system. Ben Gannon-Doak and Josh McPake offer pace and dribbling ability down wide, but their involvement could depend on whether Pocognoli prefers narrow forwards and width from the wing-backs.

John McGinn is expected to occupy one of the advanced midfield positions given his goal threat, running power and previous experience in a similar role, while Ryan Christie is another candidate for the attacking midfield slots. Scotland possess depth in deeper midfield options, with Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour available as holding midfielders. Gannon-Doak was named as a forward in the squad, while McPake was named as a midfielder, leaving their exact roles in Pocognoli's system to be determined.

Kieron Bowie, Robbie Ure and Oli McBurnie are the striking options in the squad and are described as being in good form and confident. Robbie Ure and McBurnie are yet to score for their clubs this term, with Ure having just completed a move to Sevilla after his exploits in Sweden and having faced Barcelona only a week ago. McBurnie is noted as playing well for Hull City in the Premier League and having scored 19 goals in their promotion charge last term; he has 16 previous caps without having impressed and says he has a point to prove after a few years in the international wilderness.

Pocognoli will name his Scotland team for the Nations League opener against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday, 26 September at 14:00 BST, with the match broadcast live on the BBC.