Ukraine v Scotland predictions: Injury-hit Scots could fall at final hurdle

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Ukraine v Scotland in the Nations League on Tuesday.

Where to watch

Premier Sports 1, 7.45pm Tuesday

Best bets

Ukraine
2pts 7-5 general

M Mudryk to score at any time
1pt 3-1Coral, Ladbrokes

Team news

Ukraine
Serhiy Sydorchuk serves a suspension and Oleksandr Zinchenko is unavailable.

Scotland

Nathan Patterson had to withdraw from the squad and Scott McTominay is suspended. Aaron Hickey is a doubt, Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams (both illness) have travelled and Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna miss out.

Match preview

Scotland were convincing 3-0 winners over Ukraine at Hampden Park last week but the tables could be turned in Krakow on Tuesday night.

The Ukrainians need all three points to finish top of the group and win promotion to the top tier of the Nations League in a straight shootout against Scotland.

Ukraine's campaign has been made more difficult by being unable to play on home soil but with plenty of support for them in the stands they can gain the victory they need.

A crowd of more than 20,000 attended Shakhtar Donetsk's recent 1-1 draw at home to Celtic in Warsaw on Champions League matchday two, and as well as receiving vocal backing Ukraine should have an advantage due to the selection problems facing Scotland manager Steve Clarke.

The Scots could be missing as many as four full-backs with Nathan Patterson, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney sidelined and Aaron Hickey rated doubtful.

Central defender Scott McKenna has withdrawn with a knee injury and Scott McTominay serves a one-match suspension, substantially weakening the visitors in midfield.

The cracks were showing during Scotland's 2-1 success over Ireland on Saturday.

Ryan Christie's 82nd-minute penalty settled the contest in Scotland's favour but Ireland created some good chances and lacked a clinical touch in front of goal.

Ukraine have better forward players than Ireland and should be full of confidence after Saturday's 5-0 victory away to Armenia.

Centre-forward Artem Dovbyk should feel good after scoring twice against the Armenians and classy winger Mykhailo Mudryk is well rested after dropping to the bench.

Mudryk has caught the eye for Shakhtar in this season's Champions League, scoring twice in two appearances.

And the 21-year-old's pace, power and quality could be absolutely key in undermining a severely under-strength Scotland defence.

Mudryk didn't get many sights of goal at Hampden Park where Scotland were largely dominant, winning the shot count 24 to three.

However, he is likely to be much more prominent in Krakow and looks overpriced to get on the scoresheet.

Key stat

Ukraine are unbeaten in their last 11 home games, played either in Ukraine or Poland

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