Nations League: Expect goals in a crucial match between Scotland and Ukraine

Scotland face Ukraine in their fourth Nations League encounter on Wednesday, a repeat of June’s World Cup playoff fixture that was won by Ukraine in commanding style.

With the sides sitting second and first respectively in Group One after the first three games, this match will be pivotal in determining who will win promotion to Nations League A.

Blowing hot and cold

Although Scotland are 2.7 favourites, it is clear that some of the wind has been taken out of their sails in recent matches. The hosts have won just two of their six fixtures in 2022, both of which came against Armenia. In short, Clarke’s side has struggled to find the same level that drove them to Euro 2020 and the aforementioned World Cup playoff.

Captain Andrew Robertson is a notable absentee from the squad for this autumn’s matches. But that negative is compensated by the return of Kieran Tierney, who is arguably Scotland’s most important player. At the other end of the park, Che Adams will expect to continue his strong club form while midfielder John McGinn must bounce back to something like his best. 

Coming through adversity

Ukraine’s 2022 performances have been extremely impressive given the horrific war between their nation and Russia.

The squad trained together for weeks prior to their World Cup playoff matches as domestic football was abandoned and, although they ultimately fell at the hands of Wales, building up chemistry will bode well for subsequent matches. 

They have won two of their three Nations League matches to date - the exception being a draw with Ireland that was played at a neutral venue. Winning this group would send a powerful message to the citizens of the country and, if their previous set of internationals are anything to go by, this will be valuable fuel to the squad as they visit Hampden Park.

Both teams to net

This will be the fourth meeting between these nations: the head-to-head record currently reads 2-1 in Ukraine’s favour.

While Ukraine were victorious in June, their preparations for this match have been hampered by injuries to experienced players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Eduard Sobol, who plays in the Belgian league for Club Brugge. 

Furthermore, many of their players are now back with their clubs in Ukraine as the domestic league has restarted under impossibly complicated circumstances. Just how well prepared they are is questionable. With this in mind, it is pretty difficult to call a full-time result winner.

The value lies in backing both teams to score at 2.02. This trade would have won in four of Scotland’s six matches this year, including in their previous meeting against Ukraine, and a similarly open match may be in the offing as both teams attempt to stamp their mark on the group.

Recommended trade

Back both teams to score @ 2.02