Prediction: Scotland vs Ukraine

Verdict: Scotland to qualify 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes from across Europe falling on Hampden, Scotland and Ukraine will face off on Wednesday night with a showdown against Wales still hanging in the balance.

Scotland

Starting with the hosts, last seen back in March when playing out back-to-back stalemates against Austria and Poland, there is no doubt that the mood in Scotland’s camp should be at a real high. Gaining a host of plaudits from across Europe since appointing Steve Clark in May 2019, the Tartan Army now have their sights firmly set on reaching their first World Cup finals in 24 years. Eventually securing a sliver-medal finish in Group F and signing off their qualifying adventure with a stunning 2-0 win against Denmark, the one-time Chelsea coach now finds his side enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run across all formats. With their eye-catching purple patch stemming all the way back to September 1st, Clarke’s men also appear to have found a much-welcomed clinical edge in the final third. Tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers here, Scotland will undoubtedly be backed by a jubilant home support at Hampden on Wednesday night.

Team News

Despite playing the full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid last weekend, Andrew Robertson will undoubtedly start here.

However, dealing with what is a real blow for Scotland, they will be without the likes of Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney and Rangers’ Ryan Jack.

Ukraine

As for the visitors, still dealing with the ongoing conflict within their own country, there is no doubt that the Ukraine squad face what will be an emotional night at Hampden. Watching their preparations take a huge hit ahead of their trip to Scotland in midweek, Head Coach Oleksandr Petrakov has been thankful for the domestic teams from across Europe that have offered their services. Including a 2-1 victory against German side Borussia Mönchengladbach in a friendly contest on May 11th, the Yellows have also had back-to-back contests against Italy’s Empoli and Croatian outfit Rijeka. Desperate to try and clear their heads and focus on what is a huge showdown for them in Glasgow, Ukraine did impress during their World Cup qualifying run last year. Eventually finishing second in Group D, only behind European giants France, Petrakov’s side remarkably come through their 10 qualifying matchups without tasting a single defeat.

Team News

Despite being used as a left-back by Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko will likely start in his usual central midfield role on Wednesday night.

Although it was announced over the weekend that Andriy Yarmolenko will be leaving West Ham on a free transfer, the 32-year-old should spearhead Ukraine’s attack here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two nations last faced off back in 2007, Scotland picked up a 3-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, the Tartan Army are unbeaten in each of their last eight matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to September.
• However, during their World Cup qualifying run last year, Ukraine were unbeaten in each of their 10 Group D fixtures.
• Scotland have bagged at least a single goal in 14 of their previous 17 matchups across all formats.
• Including their trio of friendly matchups against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Empoli and Rijeka – Ukraine have seen 10 of their last 11 away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Ukraine might be looking to make a giant step towards what many would bill as a fairytale story, the Yellows will face a stern test here. With Scotland only continuing on what has been a real purple patch under Steve Clarke, the Tartan Army will also be backed by a vocal home support at Hampden on Wednesday night. Now in the midst of an extended eight-match unbeaten run, a run highlighted by a 2-0 win against Denmark last year, the Scots should be smelling a chance here. While Wednesday’s guests might have enjoyed a stellar qualifying adventure that saw them go unbeaten in Group D, they wouldn’t be blamed for having their minds elsewhere. With Scotland picking up a 3-1 victory when the two nations last faced off in 2007 at Hampden, we’re backing Clarke’s side to book that all-British showdown against Wales.

Verdict: Scotland to qualify 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet