North Macedonia and Scotland are in danger of losing ground on the top two in UEFA Nations League Group B1 but the Tartan Army have shown more than the hosts in games with Switzerland and Slovenia and can shine in Skopje.
Scotland were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League in 2025 and they have taken time to get going under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli in Group B1.
The Tartan Army offered plenty of promise in a goalless draw at Slovenia in their Nations League opener, having the bulk of the chances, but their fate was determined pretty quickly against Switzerland at Hampden Park.
Reduced to 10 men after 12 minutes following the dismissal of Jack Hendry, Scotland were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat and are desperate to return to winning ways in Skopje.
A win in North Macedonia would put them back in the thick of things and it looks a good opportunity given the hosts’ struggles.
North Macedonia still await their first victory under Goce Sedloski, who was appointed in December, and a 3-0 loss at home to Switzerland was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Slovenia.
North Macedonia v Scotland Tips Summary
Best Bet - Scotland to win @ 4/6
Alternative Bet - Oliver McBurnie anytime goalscorer @ 7/4
Bet Builder - Under 3 goals, Oliver McBurnie to have 1+ shot on target & Lewis Ferguson to be booked @ 37/4
North Macedonia v Scotland Prediction
Best Bet: Scotland to win @ 4/6
It is still early days in the tenure of Pocognoli as Scotland boss and it would be harsh to criticise him after their first two matches in the Nations League.
On a different day Scotland would have triumphed convincingly in Slovenia, having won the shot count 17 to four in that goalless draw, while playing with 10 men for 80 minutes against World Cup quarter-finalist Switzerland was always going to be a tall order.
So there is every chance that they can get the show back on the road against a mediocre North Macedonia outfit, who are winless in 12 and have suffered three straight defeats.
The hosts are yet to score under manager Sedloski, who has overseen six matches, and they managed only one shot on target across their defeats against Switzerland and Slovenia.
So one may be enough to land the spoils for Scotland and, even in the absence of Scott McTominany and Che Adams, there is plenty of quality in the squad to oblige.
Alternative Bet: Oliver McBurnie anytime goalscorer @ 7/4
Chances were understandably hard to create with 10 men against a strong Switzerland side but Scotland carved out plenty of goalscoring opportunities against Slovenia and should find this test easier.
In the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Scotland had 17 shots, five of which hit the target, and strikers Kieran Bowie and Oli McBurnie had three efforts apiece.
Bowie had two shots on target, having come off the bench for Robbie Ure with 25 minutes left to play, and was replaced early when given his start against Switzerland due to the need to bring another defender on.
That suggests that McBurnie is currently first-choice of those available for Pocognoli and he could reward him with a goal.
McBurnie was a shining light for Hull City in last season’s promotion to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals in 37 appearances, and he has impressed with his hard work back in the top flight.
North Macedonia v Scotland Bet Builder Tip
Under 3 goals
Oliver McBurnie to have 1+ shot on target
Lewis Ferguson to be booked
Pays 37/4
With North Macedonia having failed to score in six matches and Scotland not the most convincing going forward with key players missing, goals may be in short supply.
That said, McBurnie has looked sharp and can register a shot on target. He had three shots against Slovenia and will feel that he should have scored.
Lewis Ferguson grafts hard in midfield for Scotland but he is a regular foul contributor and may be shown a card. The Bologna battler made four fouls in each of the recent fixtures with Slovenia and Switzerland.
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Key Match Stats
North Macedonia have failed to win any of their last 12 matches
North Macedonia are without a goal in six games
Both teams have scored in only one of Scotland’s last nine games
Scotland are unbeaten in their last three meetings with North Macedonia, winning twice
Three of the four meetings between this pair have gone under 2.5 goals
North Macedonia have lost five of their last seven fixtures
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
