The Scots go into their match against Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League knowing that a tie will be good enough for them to advance to the next division of this tournament.
The match will take place in Krakow. On the other hand, Ukraine will be promoted to that position in League A if they are victorious against competitors that they will be facing for the third time in the same number of months.
Our Match Preview: Ukraine Vs Scotland
Earlier in the year, when Scotland won just one of their first five matches, Steve Clarke worried that his team’s momentum and commitment were waning.
However, their previous three games have shown a different tale, with two comeback victories and nine goals scored.
Although it seemed like the Tartan Army might surrender points on Saturday night against Ireland, goals from Jack Hendry and Ryan Christie secured a 2-1 win for Scotland.
Clarke’s squad travels to Poland, a neutral site due to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, full of confidence and confidence that a victory over a team they had previously crushed only the previous Wednesday would be enough to advance to games against Europe’s top.
While Scotland’s performance after two grueling games in rapid succession is cause for worry, all five of their recent goals have come in the second half. Ukraine has had to deal with a similar schedule, but after cruising over Armenia on Saturday afternoon.
They seem to be in decent shape going forward. Three goals by Oleksandr Petrakov’s squad came before the 70th minute, allowing Ukraine to sail to a 5-0 victory and an easy victory.
Ukraine has only lost twice in their past 15 matches, both times against British teams (one in Wales and one on Tuesday). However, Ukraine proved they could rise to the occasion in a one-off encounter when they defeated Scotland at Hampden Park in a World Cup playoff match in June.
Our Team News: Ukraine Vs Scotland
After receiving his second caution of the tournament in Armenia, midfielder Serhii Sydorchuk will be unavailable for the Ukrainian team, who will have to make do without his services.
Petrakov will have to decide on whether or not to return Taras Stepanenko or Oleksandr Pikhalyonok to the middle of the field; nevertheless, multiple changes are anticipated given the number of players who were given the weekend off to relax.
Mykola Matviyenko, Oleksandr Karavaev, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Andriy Yarmolenko, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Artem Dovbyk are all in contention for recalls.
As a result of the late booking that Scott McTominay received against the Republic of Ireland, the Manchester United midfielder will be sidelined for this match.
As a result of Scott McKenna and Kieran Tierney pulling out of the squad, it is anticipated that Kenny McLean or Billy Gilmour will be added to the team.
Additionally, Coach Clarke will need to find replacements for both players. It is expected that Ryan Porteous, who does not yet have a cap, and Greg Taylor, who plays left back, will fill in for them.
- Ukraine possible starting lineup: Lunin, Zabarnyi, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko, Karavaev, Stepanenko, Ignatenko, Mykolenko, Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Mudryk.
- Scotland possible starting lineup: Gordon; Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Tierney; McLean, McGregor, Armstrong, McGinn, Christie, Adams.
Our Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 Scotland
On Tuesday evening, both sides will believe they have a good chance of achieving the outcome they wish, which is a confidence that should make for an overly exciting game.
The players for Ukraine will feel more refreshed since they had such an easy time against Armenia, but we believe that Scotland will show the spirit and drive to scratch their way to an all-important point in the match.