Prediction for Scotland vs Ukraine: Don't expect goal rush on tense night at Hampden Park

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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