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Record Sport Online

Who will win Scotland vs Ukraine? Our writers make their predictions for blockbuster World Cup playoff

It's the day Scotland fans have been waiting for with just hours until the World Cup playoff against Ukraine kicks off.

It's set to to be an emotional night at Hampden as Steve Clarke prepares to take another step towards Qatar 2022.

There has been an outpouring of support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, with their players involved in a training camp outside of the country.

Scotland have to focus on the football, though, as they look to secure a date in Cardiff with Wales as our boys attepmt to reach the finals.

Clarke won't have a full-strength squad to choose from with Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson and Ryan Jack among those missing out on the massive clash.

(SNS Group)

There are some big decisions to be made in front of the Tartan Army and our Record Sport writers look answer the big question – who will win at Hampden?

Keith Jackson

Let’s get this one out of the road and move on quickly to Cardiff.

It’s set to be an uncomfortable and emotionally exhausting night against the one team in the world that we would rather not have to eliminate from Qatar.

Ukraine will mount an almighty effort too but Steve Clarke and his players know how to get the job done.

Scotland 2 Ukraine 1

Gavin Berry

The world might be backing the visitors but the impact of the situation in their homeland, both emotionally and physically, makes Scotland strong favourites for this, especially with a packed Hampden behind them.

Steve Clarke’s men to win by a couple of goals.

Scotland 2 Ukraine 0

(SNS Group)

Scott Burns

Scotland have been playing well and there is no reason why they can’t keep that run going. Ukraine will be dangerous but their preparations have been far from ideal.

You just wonder how things will have impacted their players physically and mentally. I can see Billy Gilmour and Callum McGregor coming to the fore for Scotland.

Scotland 3 Ukraine 1

Fraser Wilson

Another play-off penalty shootout?

Don’t discount it as Ukraine haven’t lost in seven and Steve Clarke’s boys are eight unbeaten. So it’s going to be incredibly tight.

But Scotland have shown recently they can find a way to win these encounters and with the backing of the re-energised Tartan Army they can find the extra gear to get it done in 90 minutes.

Scotland 2 Ukraine 1

Gordon Parks

There’s no sentiment in football and Scotland will blank out the emotional backdrop to deliver a result which will ensure a winner-takes-all clash with Wales.

Scotland 2 Ukraine 1

Graeme Young

Scotland look every inch a side destined for a second major tournament against the country the world is rooting for.

Steve Clarke's side are on a long unbeaten run built on a heady mix of skill and desire, it will be needed against a team who will match them every step of the way.

But Scotland on home turf are hard to stop and will prove so again.

Scotland 2 Ukraine 1

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