SCOTLAND'S summer of discontent is beginning to feel like a distant memory and the Tartan Army are marching to Poland with hopes high of finishing the Nations League job against familiar foes Ukraine.
Steve Clarke was beginning to feel the heat a little after his side followed up their World Cup play-off loss to the Ukrainians by losing 3-0 in Dublin on their second Nations League outing.
But the response has been tremendous with the Scots winning 4-1 on the road in Armenia before getting revenge on both Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland with rousing Hampden victories inside the last week.
I backed Clarke's side to beat the Irish on Saturday but they made me sweat, having to come from behind before sealing victory with Ryan Christie's penalty 10 minutes from time.
That returned them to the Group B1 summit so a point against second-placed Ukraine will be enough to secure a play-off spot for Euro 2024 and a higher seeding for the qualifying draw.
I was surprised at how poor Ukraine were in the 3-0 Hampden loss but they found their shooting boots again at the weekend to trounce Armenia 5-0.
Boss Oleksandr Petrakov took a gamble for that game by making 11 changes but it paid off as his side eventually coasted to victory with key players getting a bit of rest.
In contrast, Clarke fielded his strongest side for both those Hampden matches and suffered some injury blows, with Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna ruled out of the decider and Aaron Hickey also a doubt.
That could prove costly in the final reckoning but the Scots boss will be hoping momentum can carry his side over the line.
How the bookies view it
Ukraine look worthy favourites at 19/13 with SBK given Scotland's injury problems. Clarke's side are 28/13 at the same firm for a win while the draw they need is priced 12/5 by Bet365.
Head to head
This is the third meeting of the sides inside a few months, with Scotland winning 3-0 last week at Hampden to get a measure of revenge for that 3-1 loss in the World Cup play-offs. It was a similar story back in the qualifiers for Euro 2008, with the Scots winning 3-1 at home to avenge a 2-0 defeat in Ukraine, so it's two wins apiece in the head to head.
Players to watch
Artem Dovbyk could start up front for Ukraine after coming off the bench to score twice against Armenia. His pace and power could trouble Scotland's makeshift defence and he's 23/10 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
John McGinn scored the crucial breakthrough goal against Ukraine at Hampden and is a man for the big occasion. The Aston Villa man will skipper the side again and is 9/2 at Bet365 for a goal. He also takes Scotland's corners so could be good value for an assist but I've yet to see that market priced up.
Anything else catch the eye?
I went for cards in Scotland's clash with Ireland and it paid off as eight yellows were flashed at Hampden. This could be another fiery encounter with so much at stake but I'm going for Scots cards this time instead of the opposition.
Clarke's big decision is whether to draft Ryan Porteous or Declan Gallagher in at the back for crocked McKenna. I reckon the St Mirren man's experience will get him the nod and Gallagher is 13/5 with Bet365 to be carded. If Porteous starts instead, the Hibs stopper is 21/10 to fall foul of the referee.
Ukraine will look to test Clarke's new back four early on so I like the look of the 11/10 on offer at Bet365 for them to score in the first half. Over 2.5 match goals has come up in the last two meetings and a repeat here pays 22/19 with SBK.
This UEFA Nations League match between Ukraine and Scotland will be played on Sep 27, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs Scotland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
