The absence of Scott McTominay, who underwent minor heart surgery, and Rangers' Lawrence Shankland and Torino's Che Adams due to injury, has given Pocognoli the opportunity to bring in fresh blood among the forwards. The recalled Oli McBurnie continues to start for Hull City on their return to the Premier League, while Robbie Ure was back in the starting line-up for new club Sevilla as they lost 3-1 to La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
In the midfield, all seven of Pocognoli's central midfield options started this weekend, including Lennon Miller in Udinese's 1-0 home defeat by Cagliari, and Billy Gilmour, who scored only his second senior goal with a fine strike in Napoli's 1-1 draw away to Fiorentina. Lewis Ferguson is back starting every game as Bologna captain, including their 1-1 draw with Torino.
The goalkeeping position was a problem for some time under predecessor Steve Clarke, but current first-choice Angus Gunn is now a regular starter with San Jose Earthquakes after his summer switch from Nottingham Forest. Scott Bain is also performing well for Falkirk, while Jon McCracken has helped Bradford City to the top of League One after his move from Dundee.
Pocognoli could look to experienced players like Robertson and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn to provide the creative spark for the Nations League matches starting away to Slovenia on Saturday.