Scott McTominay was the major miss from the former Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco head coach’s first selection and will surely be the first name on his list this time.
The 29-year-old midfielder immediately scored two doubles for Napoli following his comeback from minor heart surgery.
Billy Gilmour has been less fortunate, having been left unused on the bench while his countryman made his hero’s return before coming on as a substitute in their win over Monza and weekend defeat by Juventus.
However, he has become an automatic choice under Pocognoli along with Lewis Ferguson, who is also a mainstay of a Bologna side that has won three successive games in Serie A, while Ryan Christie has started four of Bournemouth’s impressive six straight victories without conceding.
Aston Villa’s one defeat in nine came against Bournemouth when John McGinn came off the bench instead of starting.
So who might be in danger of missing out in midfield?
A surprise addition to the last squad, uncapped Kristi Montgomery remains a regular starter with Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Lennon Miller made a rare start on Saturday but could not prevent a 5-2 home defeat by Roma that leaves Udinese without a win in eight.
However, Kenny McLean has only played 45 minutes as a substitute for Norwich City since pulling out of the last Scotland squad through injury and the 34-year-old missed Saturday’s win over Watford and is a doubt to face Derby County on Tuesday.
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