Scotland welcomes Ukraine to Hampden Park in Glasglow, Scotland Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we preview the Scotland vs. Ukraine odds and lines, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
The winner of this match will take on Wales June 5 to earn a World Cup spot in the England-led Group B. USA and Iran are also in the group.
Scotland is ranked 39th in the FIFA rankings, while Ukraine sits 27th. Wales is far higher at 18. All 3 sides finished second in their respective World Cup qualifying group, which is why they’re in position in trying to claim a World Cup berth.
Ukraine is led by M Oleksandr Zinchenko. The star midfielder plays for EPL-winning Manchester City. While Zinchenko is often the main focus for opponents, they must watch out for 26-year-old F Roman Yaremchuk, who led Ukraine with 3 goals in the qualifying matches.
Scotland, on the other hand, was more impressive in qualifying, winning 7 of 10 games. However, Denmark still finished atop Group F. F Lyndon Dykes and M John McGinn led Scotland with 4 goals each in qualifying action.
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Scotland vs. Ukraine odds, lines, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:59 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Scotland 1, Ukraine 0
Money line (ML)
LEAN SCOTLAND (+140).
During qualifiers, Scotland was the far more impressive side, going 7-1 with 2 draws, while Ukraine went 2-0 with 6 draws.
Ukraine did match France with a 1-1 draw despite having half as many shots. Against teams at or below their level, Ukraine disappointed, drawing teams like Kazakhstan.
The chemistry may not be there for Ukraine either. It put together a 21-player squad, which has played 3 friendlies, but it certainly won’t be at synchronized as Scotland.
Scotland beat Denmark (11th in FIFA) and Austria (34th) in qualifying and even drew England in the EURO group stage last summer. Scotland should be the better side, and at plus-money value, I’d lean that way.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN ALTERNATE UNDER 1.5 (+160).
Neither Ukraine nor Scotland were score-heavy sides during qualifying, which is why this normal total is priced accordingly.
I wouldn’t suggest betting the Under 2.5 (-200). The value just isn’t there.
However, Scotland had 3 of its 6 qualifying matches finish 1-0.
The fact that Scotland gave up just 7 goals in 10 games is where the value comes into play. Ukraine allowed just 8 goals in 8 games, so it’s not like it slacked defensively.
Ukraine wasn’t as strong in the attack either, scoring 11 goals. Most of the firepower for both sides is in the midfield, which should help keep this game with more possession and less pace.
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