North Macedonia vs Scotland: Nations League predictions, best bets and odds

Frank Monkhouse

Scotland visit North Macedonia for their third match in seven days. Flashscore has everything you need, including the predictions of football betting analyst Frank Monkhouse.

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Scotland are on the road for their third match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign. Sebastien Pocognoli's team opened with a goalless draw away to Slovenia, before losing to Switzerland at Hampden on Tuesday evening.

The new manager, members of the Tartan Army, and everyone connected to the away dressing room know a win and all three points are essential on Saturday. Will the Scots get the result they want? You can follow the action live from 19:45 BST on BBC Scotland.

The legal UK bookmakers featured on this page offer more than 100 pre-match betting markets on North Macedonia vs Scotland, including the match-winner, total goals, handicap, and the first team to score. You can place your bets now.

Keep reading as trusted betting writer Frank Monkhouse offers his three predictions inspired by the stats and trends at Flashscore.

North Macedonia vs Scotland: Betting tips

Under 3.5 goals @ 1/4 (bet365)

Scotland win @ 3/4 (bet365)

McBurnie to score @ 7/4 (bet365)

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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Total goals - Under 3.5

My first suggested bet on North Macedonia vs Scotland is for the match to produce fewer than four goals from both teams combined.

Backers aren't too bothered about which team wins or who scores. All you need is fewer than four goals, and you'll make a profit. You'll find this bet in the total goals under/over market, available now on the bet365 app.

With both teams playing two UEFA Nations League Group 1 games each, we have evidence to support this pick.

A bet on under 3.5 goals landed in each of Scotland's previous two starts at this level. They ended goalless away to Slovenia last week, then had a man sent off and lost 3-0 when Switzerland visited Glasgow on Tuesday.

Switching to the hosts, North Macedonia have played two and lost two. They lost 2-0 in Slovenia, after going down 3-0 when hosting Switzerland.

Scotland manager Pocognoli desperately needs a win, with his men already five points behind the Swiss. The coach won't throw caution to the wind and leave his team open to a spirit-crushing defeat.

The visitors will set up with a solid defence, aiming to control the midfield and find space for the attackers in the final third. I don't believe either side has the quality to serve up a goalfest, and that's supported by the form.

Scotland haven't been involved in a competitive match with more than three goals since November, when they beat Denmark 4-2 at Hampden under Steve Clarke. Saturday's opponents lost 4-0 to Denmark back in March.

Tip: Under 3.5 goals @ 1/4 (bet365)

Bet explanation: North Macedonia v Scotland must end with fewer than four goals scored by both teams combined.

Match winner - Scotland

Moving to my second pick, I'm backing Scotland to win at the National Arena in Toshe Proeski in Skopje.

When backing Scotland in the match-winner market, you have a 33.3% chance of making a profit. If you'd like to improve that number, you can try the double chance market. There, your stake covers both a Scotland win and a draw, boosting your chances to 66.7%, but the odds are much shorter.

I took Scotland or draw in their Nations League match against Slovenia, which was also their last away game. By aiming higher and backing an away win, the odds give us a decent addition to weekend multiples, including North Macedonia vs Scotland Bet Builders.

The home team enter on the back of two defeats and haven't won a match in any competition, including friendlies, since beating Liechtenstein 12 months ago. Since then, they've suffered five defeats and five draws.

He's only in the door, and barely has his jacket off, but Pocognoli needs a win. I'm confident he'll get his wish at the third attempt.

Tip: Scotland win @ 3/4 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If Scotland beat North Macedonia, you'll beat the bookies.

Anytime scorer - McBurnie

I'll sign off with a bet at higher odds, taking Oli McBurnie to get on the scoresheet.

The 30-year-old striker is currently playing his club football in the Premier League for Hull City. He played the entire match against Slovenia, where he failed to score, but had three shots at goal, more than any of his teammates.

In Tuesday's defeat to Switzerland at Hampden, McBurnie played an hour before Robbie Ure came on to replace him. In those 60 minutes, Oli got little joy, but that's to be expected with his team reduced to 10 men after only 11 minutes.

Despite the lack of service, Scotland had just 23% possession and zero shots on target; McBurnie worked hard. The match stats show he created one chance, made 14 passes with 78.6% accuracy, and won 100% of his tackles.

McBurnie is fast becoming an important player in the Scotland attack. I believe he'll finally be rewarded for his hard work in this match.

Tip: McBurnie to score @ 7/4 (bet365)

Bet explanation: It doesn't matter if McBurnie scores inside 60 seconds or with the last kick of the ball. If the striker gets on the scoresheet, your bet wins.