Scotland's new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli arrives at this weekend's Nations League clash with North Macedonia still searching for his first win and his first goal in charge, after a difficult opening to his tenure that has raised several questions about selection and system.
The Belgian's reign began with a goalless draw in Slovenia before a chastening 3-0 defeat by Switzerland at Hampden Park, a match further complicated by Jack Hendry's early red card. With just one point and no goals from two matches, Saturday's trip to face Group B1's bottom side in Skopje takes on added significance.
One of the most pressing issues surrounds goalkeeper Angus Gunn. The San Jose Earthquakes shot-stopper, who was Steve Clarke's first-choice at the World Cup, has struggled for form at club level, conceding 23 goals in 11 games this season. That poor run continued against Switzerland, where he was beaten by Ricardo Rodriguez's opener - described by pundit Andy Halliday as a shot with little pace that should have been saved - before also failing to keep out Zeki Amdouni's effort.
"They were good strikes, but as a goalkeeper, I'm always disappointed when I concede a goal," Gunn said afterwards. "I'll look back and see what I could have done better and get better for the next game."
Despite the scrutiny, Gunn is likely to retain his place given the limited alternatives available to Pocognoli, with Scott Bain plying his trade in the Scottish Premiership, Jon McCracken in England's League One, and Liam Kelly yet to feature for Rangers this season. Still, given the coach's willingness to make bold calls - including handing three debuts across his first two games - a change cannot be ruled out entirely.
In defence, there appears to be more clarity. Stephen Welsh impressed on his first start in Slovenia before an unexpected recall against Switzerland following Hendry's dismissal, performing well on the right side of a back three. His composure on the ball and leadership on the pitch could see him retain his starting spot in Skopje, particularly with Hendry suspended for the match.
Attacking options also present a dilemma. Winger Ben Gannon-Doak has made an impact from the bench in both of Pocognoli's matches so far, prompting calls - including from Halliday, who said he would be "shocked" if the Bournemouth youngster didn't start against North Macedonia - for him to be given a chance from the opening whistle. However, his best position within Pocognoli's favoured 3-4-1-2 system remains unclear, with his defensive capabilities not matching those of established wing-backs like Aaron Hickey or Nathan Patterson.
Meanwhile, captain John McGinn continues to draw scrutiny as he closes in on a century of caps, currently sitting on 91. Though improved in the second half against Switzerland, the Aston Villa midfielder has yet to replicate his club form consistently in a Scotland shirt, fuelling debate over whether the current system suits his strengths.
Up front, Kieron Bowie could be handed another chance to partner Oli McBurnie after his promising start in Slovenia was cut short just 10 minutes in to accommodate a defensive reshuffle. The pair showed encouraging signs of understanding in their brief time together, and McBurnie's tireless work rate - despite a five-year absence from international duty prior to this camp - has impressed.
Scotland's goal drought now stands at four matches and 422 minutes without scoring, edging closer to the unwanted national record of 447 minutes set in 1970-71. With history looming, Pocognoli will be hoping his side can find both a breakthrough and a first win against North Macedonia on Saturday.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.