Sebastien Pocognoli will bid for his first Hampden victory at the third attempt when Scotland host North Macedonia on Friday.
The Scotland head coach endured an underwhelming start to his tenure last month by picking up just four points from a possible 12 in the Nations League while losing both of his home openers against Switzerland and Slovenia.
The away performances at least provided some encourgament with a strong second half in the goalless draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana in his first match in charge and a dominant 2-0 win over North Macedonia in Skopje.
However, the 2-1 defeat by Slovenia at Hampden ended his maiden camp on a sour note and raised questions over whether the squad is suited to the manager's preferred system, with Pocognoli using a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 formation across his first four games.
The squad has been bolstered by the return of Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Che Adams but defenders Stephen Welsh and Luis Binks have withdrawn and replaced by Ryan Porteous and David Bates, while Scott McKenna is also absent.
Assuming Pocognoli sticks with his preferred set-up, here is our preferred starting XI for the game against North Macedonia at Hampden on Friday, with an away trip to Switzerland to follow on Monday.
9. AMC: Scott McTominay
A huge boost for Scotland to have the Napoli talisman back fit and available after his recent heart procedure. With five goals in his last six matches, McTominay will hope to add to his 15 international strikes against North Macedonia. Starting as one of the two advanced midfielders behind the striker looks the best fit for him in Pocogonoli's 3-4-2-1 system. | SNS Group
10. AMC: John McGinn
The Aston Villa captain just gets the nod over Ryan Christie, who has been in excellent form for Bournemouth. McGinn is enjoying his best statistical start to a Premier League season, registering two goals and four assists across the opening 10 matches. An attacking midfield duo of McGinn and McTominay looks a powerful combination on paper. | SNS Group
11. CF - Oli McBurnie
There is a lot said about McBurnie's lack of goals at international level, but the Hull City striker held the ball up well for Scotland during the previous camp. He has netted twice in the Premier League since then which will have given his confidence a boost in front of goal. Pocognoli likes him, so he could be given another chance to break his duck despite Che Adams returning from injury. | SNS Group