Ukraine will aim to reach the UEFA play-off final and move one step closer to their dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Sweden at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.
Serhiy Rebrov’s side have done remarkably well to reach this stage, especially given that they have played all their matches away from home, and will now need to show greater cutting edge to progress further.
Sweden, meanwhile, head into this clash on the back of a 1-1 draw against Slovenia, with Graham Potter aiming to secure his first victory since taking over from Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Read our Ukraine vs Sweden prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Ukraine vs Sweden key stats
- Ukraine have lost just once in their last five matches.
- Sweden are winless in their last six games.
- Six of Ukraine's last seven matches have produced under 10.5 corners
Ukraine vs Sweden preview: More misery for the visitors?
| Ukraine | vs | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd(WC qualification, Group D) | Position | 4th(WC qualification, Group B) |
| 10 | Points | 2 |
| 10 | Goals For | 4 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 12 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 2nd | Home Rank | 4th |
| 2nd | Away Rank | 4th |
Ukraine recorded three wins, one draw and two defeats from their six matches, with both losses coming against France, who automatically qualified for the World Cup.
While France were always expected to progress, Ukraine can take pride in their performances, having secured two victories over Iceland and another win against Azerbaijan.
Ukraine have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four meetings against Sweden.
Defensively, however, concerns remain, with just one clean sheet kept and 11 goals conceded, although they will be confident of causing problems going forward.
Artem Dovbyk (groin) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (knee) are sidelined through injury, while Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yukhym Konoplia are suspended due to an accumulation of bookings.
Sweden finished fourth in the group with just two points from six matches, and those disappointing results led to the appointment of Graham Potter as the new head coach.
Despite boasting attacking talent such as Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga, Sweden have managed only four goals this campaign while conceding 12, highlighting their struggles at both ends of the pitch.
Sweden have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches.
Potter’s tenure began with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, but the Blue and Yellow responded with a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in their final match of the series.
Sweden will be without several key players for this clash, with Alexander Isak (leg), Emil Krafth (knee), Viktor Johansson and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) all sidelined.
Ukraine vs Sweden form guide & betting tips
| Ukraine | vs | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| D-W-W-L-W | Form | L-L-L-L-D |
| 10 | Goals For | 2 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 10 |
| W-L-W | World Cup qualification form | L-L-D |
Whispers Predicts: Ukraine 2-1 Sweden
Considering Ukraine’s current form, they look well placed to secure a victory here, and odds of 3.1 represent strong value.
Sweden have conceded first in each of their last five matches, so Ukraine to open the scoring at 2.25 is a solid option.
However, Ukraine have also struggled defensively, which makes BTTS – Yes at 1.85 a highly plausible outcome.
> Match result: Ukraine win at 3.1 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS-Yes at 1.85 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 10.5 corners at 1.53 | Likelihood: Possible
> Ukraine to score first at 2.25 | Likelihood: Possible