North Macedonia vs Scotland – Match preview and team news

Scotland and North Macedonia prepare to face off in the third UEFA Nations League group fixture on Saturday at the Nacionalna Arena Tose Proeska. Both teams are aiming to secure their first win in this international break. The match kicks off at 7:45pm BST.

North Macedonia faces a set of fitness concerns ahead of the match. Left-back Ezgjan Alioski, an experienced player, has withdrawn from the squad due to a calf injury. Midfielder Boban Nikolov is also out due to fitness issues, leaving the team with limited options in central areas. However, the team remains strong in attack, with captain Enis Bardhi, who is set to earn his 84th international cap, leading the creative play.

Supported by RB Leipzig's Eljif Elmas and Rangers forward Bojan Miovski, North Macedonia looks to break their current six-match goalless run.

Scotland enters the match with significant selection challenges, particularly in defense. Jack Hendry is suspended after receiving an early red card against Switzerland, forcing manager Sebastien Pocognoli to reshuffle his backline. The team is already short-handed, with key players like Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, and Che Adams all unavailable due to injuries or unavailability.

Defensively, either Swansea City’s Stephen Welsh or Luis Binks is expected to join Scott McKenna in the back three, supported by captain Andy Robertson, who is set to earn his 100th international cap. Scotland will rely on the midfield partnership of Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson to control the game.