Prediction: Scotland vs Ukraine

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who will turn their attention back to Nations League duties on Wednesday night, Scotland will welcome Ukraine to Hampden.

Scotland

Starting with the hosts, managing to make an immediate return to winning ways when heading into the summer break, Scotland will now have their sights set on trying to find some stability. Last seen on June 14th when picking up a routine 4-1 victory away at Armenia, Steve Clarke’s men still have a Nations League promotion at the top of their agenda. Mustering six points from their opening three outings this year, the Tartan Army are also desperate to prove that their shock 3-0 drumming against British rivals Ireland three months ago was just a minor blip. However, watching their World Cup dreams go up in smoke after a 3-1 defeat against Ukraine at Hampden, the former Kilmarnock boss should be boosted by his side’s Nations League success on home soil. In fact, continuing on from the inaugural tournament in 2018, Scotland have taken 16 points from their six contests in Glasgow.

Team News

After overcoming respective injury issues, the duo of Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack have been included in Clarke’s 25-man squad.

The likes of Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Ryan Fraser, Kieran Tierney and Che Adams should all feature on Wednesday night.

Ukraine

As for the visitors, although Ukraine might have been left heartbroken back in June as they failed to book what would have been an emotional World Cup ticket, Oleksandr Petrakov’s men have gained plenty of plaudits from across Europe. Mustering seven points from their opening three Nations League appearances and tipped as a standout pick to clinch a maiden League A campaign, the Yellows will be looking to lay down another marker on Wednesday night. Opening this year’s tournament with back-to-back 1-0 and 3-0 victories against Ireland and Armenia, Ukraine have also continued to gain a reputation for their success on foreign soil. Watching all of their preparations take a major hit due to the ongoing conflict within their country, the midweek guests have lost just one of their last 13 straight matchups across all formats. Likewise, claiming that deserved 3-1 victory when they made the trip to Hampden back on June 1st in their World Cup play-off showdown, Petrakov will be calling on a similar display here.

Team News

In what is a major blow to Ukraine on Wednesday night, talisman Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss out here as the ex-Manchester City man recovers from a knock.

Likewise, after picking up a hip injury, Club Brugge defender Eduard Sobol has withdrawn from Petrakov’s 25-man squad and will not feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on June 1st for their World Cup play-off showdown, Ukraine picked up a 3-1 victory at Hampden.
• Likewise, Ukraine have lost just one of their previous 13 straight matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to July 2021.
• Continuing on from the inaugural tournament in 2018, Scotland have taken 16 points from their six contests in Glasgow.
• 13 of Ukraine’s last 15 contests across all competitions have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.
• Eight of Scotland’s previous nine matchups at Hampden across all competitions have also finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Managing to make an immediate return to winning ways back in June after storming their way to a 4-1 victory away at Armenia, Scotland will be calling on a similar display on Wednesday night. However, coming under some scrutiny for their shock 3-0 drumming at the hands of British rivals Ireland three months ago, the Tartan Army will know that they face a tough test here. While Ukraine might have been left heartbroken as they fell at the final hurdle in their bid to book a World Cup ticket, the midweek guests have still gained plenty of plaudits. Losing just one of their previous 13 straight matchups across all formats, Petrakov’s men will also be boosted by their most recent meeting against their League B rivals. Claiming a thumping 3-1 win when they traveled to Hampden on June 1st, we could be in for another enjoyable affair in Glasgow.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Unibet