Wales welcome Ukraine to Cardiff City Stadium in a huge Play-Off Final for the last European spot at 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Wales qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, whereas Ukraine are looking to reach the tournament for only the second time in their history – having last qualified for 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Team News
Wales have no fresh injury concerns to report as Gareth Bale, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey all look to return, having been rested in Wednesday’s Nations League defeat away to Poland.
Ukraine also have no fresh injury concerns to report as manager – Oleksandr Petrakov considers naming an unchanged line-up following Wednesday’s victory over Scotland.
Stat Attack
- Wales are winless in three previous meetings against Ukraine in all competitions (D2, L1).
- Ukraine drew 1-1 in their only previous away visit to Wales in March 2001 during Qualifying for 2002 FIFA World Cup (D1).
- Both previous meetings between Wales and Ukraine during Qualifying for a World Cup tournament finished 1-1 in March and June 2001 respectively
- Wales have scored first in two of their last three competitive home matches.
- Artem Dovbyk has scored in each of Ukraine’s last two away matches against international opposition, with both of his goals scored after half-time.
Prediction
Despite several fringe players having played well in Wednesday’s Nations League defeat away in Poland where small defensive errors proved the difference, I do expect manager – Rob Page to make changes here with Bale and Ramsey certainly set to start and cause issues.
Ukraine meanwhile seemed to mentally benefit motivation wise from an electric atmosphere in Scotland on Wednesday evening, which only boosted their on-pitch performance because they were absolutely dangerous on the counter-attack but sloppy when not allowed time to create shots.
With that in mind, Wales will need to be at their clinical best whilst defensively hassling Ukraine’s players to reduce their time to create shots, otherwise Ukraine will surely fancy their chances of once again riding the crest of a strong crowd atmosphere to take a comfortable win.
Prediction: Wales 1-2 Ukraine
Result: Wales 1-0 Ukraine