Bostjan Cesar expects to face a different Scotland than the one he watched at the World Cup with Sebastien Pocognoli now in charge. But the Slovenia boss is convinced they can exploit the Belgian's new-look side.
New era for Scotland
Pocognoli will be the Scots' gaffer for the first time in the Nations League clash in Ljubljana on Saturday after replacing Steve Clarke.
Cesar knows all about Scotland's strengths and weaknesses having studied their World Cup games in America. He's certain that Pocognoli will adopt a different approach with a younger, fresher squad.
Slovenia's game plan
But Slovenia's record cap holder Cesar believes they can hurt Scotland – if they take their chances when they come along.
He said: "Scotland is a team with quality. We'll have to stay compact and stick together.
"It will be about how much space we allow them to play in.
"We know the Scots are very aggressive but I think they will leave space for us at the back.
"So we have to make the most of our chances in attack.
"We have analysed Scotland from the World Cup.
"But with the new coach, we know this will be a different Scotland team than the one we watched in the summer."
Key absentees on both sides
Scotland is missing some key men for the Slovenia trip, with Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean, Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland all out injured.
But the Slovenians are missing their star player, Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 23-year-old has struggled for form and fitness at Old Trafford since making a £75 million move from RB Leipzig a year ago. He's taken a lot of flak with United toiling in the Premier League and he now faces another spell on the sidelines with a troublesome shin injury.
He'll be a massive loss to Slovenia against the Scots but Cesar has backed his talisman to come through a tough period in his career.
The head coach said: "Things aren't easy for Benjamin right now. He's going through a difficult period in his career because he hasn't had injury problems before.
"It's an unusual injury that takes time to heal. Right now, he needs to surround himself with people he trusts and believes in.
"All of us around him have to stay positive, that's what he needs.
"He also needs time - and Slovenia will need him when he's fit again.
"If you play for a club like Manchester United, these things come with the territory (criticism).
"It's a process that Beni isn't going through alone. Everyone around him is going through it as well.
"When he was fit and scoring goals, there were none of these criticisms.
"He's a professional and doesn't need to pay attention to these things. He just has to try and stay positive and surround himself with the right people."
