Ukraine v Scotland
UEFA Nations League: League B, Group 1
Tuesday, 27 September (7.45pm)
Stadion Cracovii, Krakow, Poland

Scotland will look to build on their run of three consecutive wins tomorrow night as they take on Ukraine in Krakow, Poland, with the ultimate campaign goal of topping their UEFA Nations League Group within reach.

Steve Clarke’s side very much have their destiny in their own hands, with the rewards substantial. A draw against Ukraine would be enough to top the group, thus gaining promotion to League A, securing the invaluable UEFA EURO 2024 Play-off spot, and earning a second seed position for next year’s EURO 2024 qualification campaign.

Scotland built on their excellent 3-0 victory over Ukraine at Hampden last week with a determined comeback victory over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday in front of a full house of Scotland supporters.

They will now look to build on the momentum tomorrow night against an opponent with whom they have become familiar this year, having played twice since June.

Previous Meetings

The two sides have played four times now, with the results balanced on a knife-edge on two wins apiece.

They first met in qualification for UEFA EURO 2008, Ukraine taking first blood with a 2-0 victory in Ukraine in 2006, while goals from Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch and James McFadden secured a memorable 3-1 victory at Hampden Park in the reverse fixture. 

Ukraine won arguably the biggest match between the two nations in June this year, as they ended Scotland’s hopes of reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 victory in the Play-off semi-final at Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke’s side improved dramatically in the most recent fixture, running out 3-0 victors last week thanks to John McGinn’s opener – his 14th for the national team – and a double from substitute Lyndon Dykes.

Team News

The Scotland squad has been stretched going into the match, with Steve Clarke having lost Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna to injury, while Scott McTominay is suspended after picking up his second booking of the campaign against the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Clarke has called up two in-form Hearts players into the squad to replace them, bringing left-sided defender Stephen Kingsley and attacker Barrie McKay into camp.

Aaron Hickey trained with the rest of the squad this morning, having been withdrawn midway through the second half on Saturday as a precaution.

Scotland number one Craig Gordon will be looking to keep up his record of playing every competitive for Scotland against Ukraine, having started both games in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying and both matches so far this year.

Pre-match thoughts

Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke: "We haven't done anything yet. We want to finish top of the group. We have to play as well as we can play and get the result required.

"The achievement for us is just to keep improving. If that brings promotion to Group A then it's another step on the way.

"Ukraine know how good we are. They'll be determined to play to their best, we're determined to play to our best."

Scotland forward Ché Adams: “We've had a good two games this camp and we have to end it well now.

"Everyone wants to do well for the nation, that's the most important thing. We're in a good place at the moment and we want to keep it up.

“I've been here for 18 months and the improvement has been drastic. We're good and smart enough to be consistent.”

Where to watch 

The match is live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage from 7:15pm ahead of a 7:45pm kick off.