Back our 13/8 prediction for Scotland vs Ukraine with Betfred and get an incredible £60 worth of free bets and bonuses!
The stakes could not be higher for Scotland and Ukraine, who finally do battle for a place in what is effectively a play-of final against Wales on Sunday. The prize, of course, is a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This game was first scheduled to take place in March but events in Ukraine have, understandably, forced the fixture back. Even now, it feels harsh on Ukraine's players asking them to play in a such an important game of football, but UEFA insist the show must go on.
The atmosphere at Hampden Park would, under most circumstances, would be as raucous as anywhere in world football but this game has a very different feel about it - almost as if it shouldn't be happening - and that could contribute to a very tense game of football.
Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko has said that his side will "give everything to win the game and to make Ukrainians proud of us" but Ukraine haven't played a competitive game since November 2021 and although they have had a handful of friendlies recently, it's impossible to know what sort of frame of mind their players are in given what is happening in their country.
With over half of Oleksandr Petrakov's plying their trade in the suspended Ukraine Premier League, lack of match sharpness could also be an issue for the visitors.
Given the circumstances around this game and with home advantage, Scotland are understandably favourites (5/4) to win, with Ukraine trading at 12/5 with Betfred.
This represents a huge opportunity for Steve Clarke's side to get to a first World Cup since 1998 and but it should not be considered a formality that they win this game because for all Ukraine's off-field problems, they have more than enough quality in their ranks to make things tough for the Scots.
That being said, Scotland's international team are in a good moment. They won their last six World Cup qualifying matches, conceding just twice in those matches, and that defensive solidity could be a key factor in how this game unfolds.
Ukraine were unbeaten in qualifying, finishing second to world champions France in their group. They drew all four home matches during that campaign but were much more effective on the road, taking eight points from a possible 12, including a 1-1 draw in Paris.
Prediction for Scotland vs Ukraine
Both of these sides are stronger defensively than in attack. Ukraine have better quality in that area of the pitch but Andriy Yarmolenko has started just one Premier League game for West Ham this season while Roman Yaremchuk has scored just once in his last 11 appearances for Benfica.
Scotland striker Che Adams hasn't scored a goal for club or country since February 25 while QPR striker Lyndon Dykes hasn't found the net since for anyone the end of January!
All of which points to this being a tight, low-scoring game - something the layers have latched onto. Betfred are as short as 8/15 about under 2.5 goals. However, it might just pay off to be a bit brave and go under 1.5 goals at 13/8 because this game could very easily be decided by a single goal either way.
Recommended bet: Under 1.5 goals @ 13/8 with Betfred
Scotland vs Ukraine odds with Betfred
Match odds (90 minutes only)
- Scotland - 5/4
- Draw - 19/10
- Ukraine - 23/10
Get £60 in FREE BETS and BONUSES when you bet £10 on Scotland vs Ukraine
18+, new UK customers only, T&Cs apply
Please Gamble Responsibly
Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.
