Ukraine vs Scotland prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League B betting tips on match 2022-09-26 18:45.
After five enthralling rounds of UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B1 action, it all comes down to Ukraine against Scotland to decide who will dine at the top table of UNL football in 2024/25. Ukraine arenāt in the driving seat despite a 5-0 victory over Armenia last time out, with the war-ridden country needing nothing less than a win to complete a footballing fairytale story and achieve promotion, but with this game taking place in Poland, any home advantage is seemingly lost.
Ukraine have been in fairly good form since their return to competitive action in June (W4, D1, L2), though they will be acutely aware that both defeats came against UK nations. One was a soul-destroying World Cup qualification (WCQ) defeat against Wales (1-0), and the other a 3-0 humbling against Scotland under a week ago. Yet as the designated home side, Ukraine may be quietly confident of obtaining that promotion chasing win having won five of their seven UNL āhomeā games.
For Scotland the mission is a little simpler on paper as they must avoid defeat to secure their spot in League A for the next UNL edition. Having started their UNL journey in League C in the inaugural edition, two promotions in three campaigns would mark a meteoric rise for Scotland, but having already lost a mammoth WCQ clash against Ukraine this year (3-1), they will be all too aware that their promotion isnāt sealed yet.
Three successive UNL wins paints a pretty picture for Steve Clarkeās men, and perhaps backs up Scotland midfielder Callum McGregorās claim that his side are getting better at keeping their cool in high-pressure games. While only a draw is needed for Scotland to secure promotion here, itās something they have never seen on their UNL travels (W3, L4), and with each of those defeats coming against sides ranked better than Scotland (#45), taking on Ukraine (#27) suddenly looks a more daunting prospect.
Players to watch: Scorer of the gameās last goal on each of his five senior Ukraine scoring appearances, Artem Dovbyk could be a man to keep an eye on. Ryan Christie was Scotlandās hero with the winner and assist against Ireland, but three of his five senior international strikes have been game openers.
Hot streak: Scotland have conceded the opener in five straight UNL away games.