Scotland welcome Ukraine to Hampden Park in a crunch clash as both teams look to secure a Play-Off Final spot in the race to qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The winner of this tie will advance to the Path A Play-Off Final and visit Wales on Sunday 5 June to determine the final European spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Team News
Rangers’ Ryan Jack is ruled out for Scotland after he suffered a calf injury which forced him to withdraw from the squad, with manager – Steve Clarke calling up Luton’s Allan Campbell to replace Jack.
Clarke otherwise has no fresh injury concerns to report.
Ukraine have no fresh injury concerns to report with soon-to-be ex West Ham player – Andriy Yarmolenko named in the squad, alongside Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko and Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko amongst others.
Stat Attack
- Scotland have won just one of two previous meetings against Ukraine in all competitions (W1, L1).
- Ukraine lost their only previous away match against Scotland – which saw them lose 3-1 in October 2007 during Qualifying for Euro 2008.
- Scotland are yet to keep a clean sheet against Ukraine in all competitions.
- Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army have scored in each of their last five home matches in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
- Ukraine have scored in each of their last seven international fixtures in all competitions, amidst keeping just one clean sheet during that run (W2, D5).
Prediction
Having avoided defeat in their last eight matches in all competitions, Scotland come into this match in excellent form especially after looking incredibly confident in their attack against Austria last time out, yet they still managed to lose defensive focus from 2-0 up and conceded twice late on.
Ukraine meanwhile are a dangerous attack-minded team but aren’t as consistent defensively with just one clean sheet since the start of Euro 2020, which will be a concern especially given that they recently faced European club competition so this international fixture will be another level.
Add in the emotions of this match marking their first international fixture since Russia’s invasion in late February, Ukraine definitely are in for a tricky evening because they must focus on playing the game only and not the occasion.
Scotland though are in equally strong form so I am expecting a tough contest because the Tartan Army will have an electric home crowd atmosphere, which could well be the difference if their defence is also at their best and don’t drop focus.
Prediction: Scotland 2-1 Ukraine
Result: Scotland 1-3 Ukraine
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