Scotland return to Hampden Park looking for their first victory under new manager Sébastien Pocognoli. The hosts showed improvement during their opening draw against Slovenia, but Switzerland arrive in Glasgow after beginning their Nations League campaign with an impressive 3–0 victory.

Scotland created chances against Slovenia

Pocognoli’s first match as Scotland manager ended in a goalless draw away against Slovenia. Scotland struggled during the first half but improved after the break and created several good opportunities.

They finished the game with 17 attempts and an expected goals total of 2.16. Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure both had chances to score, but neither managed to beat Jan Oblak.

Billy Gilmour was one of Scotland’s best players. He helped the team control possession in midfield, while Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn also played important roles as Scotland pushed forward during the second half.

The performance gave supporters some encouragement, but the lack of goals remains a concern. Scotland must now face a stronger opponent while several important players are unavailable.

Scott McTominay, Che Adams, Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean and Lawrence Shankland are all missing. Their absence leaves Pocognoli with fewer experienced options, particularly in attack.

Switzerland started with a comfortable victory

Switzerland opened their campaign with a 3–0 win away against North Macedonia. Remo Freuler scored the first goal before Zeki Amdouni added twice to complete a convincing result.

Amdouni also provided an assist and should remain the main attacking threat at Hampden Park. Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi give Switzerland more pace around him, while Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi provide experience in defence.

The visitors are without Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Breel Embolo. Those are important absences, but Switzerland showed in their opening match that they still have enough quality to compete without them.

Murat Yakin has managed the team since 2021, giving Switzerland more stability than a Scotland side beginning a new period under Pocognoli.

Switzerland also reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Their only defeat in their last five matches came after extra time against Argentina, and they have continued that good form by starting the Nations League with three points.

Hampden Park gives Scotland a chance

Scotland will receive strong support in Pocognoli’s first home match, and their second-half performance against Slovenia showed that they can create chances with a more aggressive approach.

The challenge will be turning those chances into goals. Switzerland are likely to defend better than Slovenia and carry a much greater threat on the counterattack.

The teams last met at Euro 2024, when Scott McTominay and Xherdan Shaqiri scored in a 1–1 draw. Neither player will feature this time, and both teams are now entering a different period.

Scotland can make the match competitive at Hampden, but Switzerland have the stronger squad and arrive with more confidence after their opening victory.

Verdict

Scotland showed positive signs against Slovenia but failed to take their chances. Switzerland were much more clinical against North Macedonia and have the quality to punish similar mistakes.

Home advantage should help Scotland, but their missing players and limited attacking options make Switzerland the better choice.

Tip

Switzerland to win