Scotland's Nations League campaign has had a rocky start under new boss Sebastien Pocognoli, with just one win from four games in the extended October window. As the team prepares for its final two matches this month against North Macedonia and Switzerland, the manager is demanding improvements.
The return of key players, including Scott McTominay and Che Adams, has raised hopes that Scotland can finish the group stage with two positive results. McTominay's comeback after a brief absence due to a heart operation is a significant boost, and fans are eager to see how he fits into Pocognoli's system. The Napoli star's importance to his country may even prompt a change in formation to accommodate him.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Scott Bain has been in outstanding form for Falkirk, playing every minute this season and delivering a stunning display that left Celtic down and out. He will fancy his chances of taking the gloves for at least one of Scotland's upcoming games. Angus Gunn, Scotland's most experienced international keeper, has been shipping goals at San Jose Earthquakes and was dropped for their recent win over Real Salt Lake, though he was instantly returned to the XI a week later. Liam Kelly remains the undisputed No.2 to Ivor Pandur at Rangers, while Jon McCracken has impressed for Bradford with 12 clean sheets in 17 games in all competitions.
In defence, Luis Binks has retaken his captain's armband at Brondby after missing a couple of games through injury, though his club sits ten points off top spot. Luke Graham has become a first-team regular at Stoke, not missing a game since August, with four wins in their last five and three clean sheets, including scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Derby. Jack Hendry plays virtually every minute for Al-Ettifaq and is viewed as one of the top central defenders in Saudi Arabia, benefiting from playing behind N'Golo Kante. Aaron Hickey is being phased back in at Brentford after missing much of last season, starting their final game before the break and featuring in every match this season. Nathan Patterson is yet to start for Torino, managing just 178 minutes over five substitute appearances. James Penrice has impressed for Rangers at left-back and in central midfield, offering Pocognoli options, while Ryan Porteous was drafted in late after Stephen Welsh's injury-enforced withdrawal and starts regularly for LAFC. Andy Robertson has impressed in Spurs' improved recent form, starting every game but one and assisting two goals. Kieran Tierney has put his injury history aside, racking up minutes for Celtic and looking like the player they once sold to Arsenal.
Midfielders and Forwards
Ryan Christie's return to Bournemouth's midfield has coincided with an upturn in form that has put their early relegation fears to bed, including a stunning 3-0 victory over AC Milan. Lewis Ferguson has played every minute in Serie A for Bologna, wearing the captain's armband and covering more yards than any other midfielder in the league. Billy Gilmour has a rotation role at a midfield featuring Scott McTominay and Kevin de Bruyne, stepping up while his Scotland pal was on the sidelines. John McGinn played a key part in Aston Villa's surprise win over Man City, scoring two and assisting four in 16 appearances. Josh McPake has three goals and eight assists for his club, while Scott McTominay looked like he'd never been away, firing in a double against Roma. Kristi Montgomery has kept his place for Blackburn even with McTominay back, at the expense of Lennon Miller.
Che Adams has a couple of goals since coming back from injury and looks in decent nick going into the break. Kieron Bowie has struggled at Sassuolo, with his only strike coming back in September. Findlay Curtis has been a go-to substitute for Rangers, featuring in all but one of their games. Ben Gannon-Doak has yet to start for Bournemouth in the league but played all 90 minutes of their victory over Milan. Oli McBurnie has found his scoring boots with two in his last three games for Hull as they scrap for survival. Robbie Ure looked to have arrived at Sevilla with a goal and assist against Levante but has since been reduced to a substitute role.
