Ukraine meet Scotland in Warsaw, Poland, in a promotion decider in League B1 of 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
Only a victory would see Ukraine leapfrog Scotland and secure promotion to League A as group winners, whilst Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army know that a win or draw would see them promoted to the top-tier.
Team News
Serhiy Sydorchuk is suspended for Ukraine after he was booked in their victory against Armenia on Saturday.
Viktor Kovalenko (adductor) is also sidelined after he withdrew from the squad following their defeat to Scotland in Glasgow last week.
Scotland will be without Kieran Tierney after the defender was released from the squad as a precaution, having suffered a suspected head injury during Saturday’s comeback win against Republic of Ireland.
Scott McKenna and Scott McTominay have also been released from the squad for unspecified reasons, with Barrie McKay and Stephen Kingsley called up to replace the pair.
Aaron Hickey is a doubt due to a knock but hasn’t left the squad which offers hope that he could feature in this match.
Stat Attack
- Ukraine lost 3-0 in their only previous Nations League meeting against Scotland, which took place in Glasgow last week.
- Scotland lost their only previous away match against Ukraine (L1), losing 2-0 in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier in October 2006.
- This is the first match between Ukraine and Scotland to be played at a neutral venue, due to Ukraine currently being unable to host home games in their own country.
- Ukraine have collected four points from two matches in which Artem Dovbyk found the net, (W1, D1), with the Ukrainian scoring three goals in total.
- Scotland have scored and conceded four goals apiece in two away matches in this group (W1, L1).
Prediction
Having failed to mount much of an attacking threat in Glasgow last week, Ukraine certainly struck back with a ruthless performance to thrash Armenia on Saturday although the pressure remains on them, because only a win would see them promoted.
Scotland meanwhile can come into this game with high confidence after their comeback win over Ireland, although set pieces continue to be their weakness as shown against Ireland – despite proving their strength against Ukraine last week.
Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army though have promotion in their own hands so it will be interesting to see how they approach this, especially given their defensive issues so attack might be their best option but I do expect Ukraine to come out all-attack given that only a win will be enough for them.
On that note, a score draw wouldn’t be too surprising but Ukraine cannot afford a repeat performance of what they delivered in Glasgow, otherwise Scotland will surely win this if they find their clinical touch.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 Scotland
Result: Ukraine 0-0 Scotland (Scotland are PROMOTED!!!)