Ukraine will be looking to build upon their disappointing draw to Finland last weekend when they host Kazakhstan. The match schedules for Wednesday at Arena L’viv in their third World Cup 2022 qualifier, with kickoff at9:45 pm.
Both sides played out against Group D leaders and current world champions France this month, with Andriy Shevchenko’s men securing a critical point. Moreover, their opponents were beaten on home soil last Sunday.
After earning an impressive point away in France last week, Ukraine could not build upon their recent win as they could only draw 1-1 at home to Finland on Sunday. It was a good chance for Shevchenko to claim the three points. However, a draw in two outings saw the side miss the chance to join France at Group D’s top.
Ukraine head into the clash on the back of four wins against their opponents; however, their last encounter dates back to 2009. It ended with Serhiy Nazarenko scoring a brace in a 2-1 victory. A loss or draw this week will come as a blow for the home side against a team ranked 98 places below them.
Kazakhstan’s opening World Cup qualifier ended in a defeat as the side lost 2-0 at home to current holders France on Sunday. The side lay bottom in Group D, with their most difficult fixture now out of the way.
Ukraine vs Kazakhstan Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Ukraine taking home four wins while Kazakhstan without a win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Ukraine 1-1 Finland
France 1-1 Ukraine
Switzerland 3-0 Ukraine
Germany 3-1 Ukraine
Poland 2-0 Ukraine
Away
Kazakhstan 0-2 France
Kazakhstan 1-2 Lithuania
Albania 3-1 Kazakhstan
Montenegro 0-0 Kazakhstan
Belarus 2-0 Kazakhstan
Ukraine Team News
Duo Ihor Kharatin and Viktor Korniienko remain unavailable for selection after testing positive for coronavirus. Other injury absentees ahead of the clash include Taras Stepanenko, Artem Besedin and Viktor Tsygankov. Goalkeeper Andriy Patov is four appearances away from making his 100th international cap. However, he sat out to World Cup qualifiers.
Kazakhstan Team News
Artur Shushenachev was looking forward to making his debut; however, an injury forced him to withdraw from the squad. Striker Ramazan Karimov came off the bench to make his debut off the bench against France.
Prediction and Odds
Ukraine has a history of netting two or more goals against their opponents, and we predict the same.
Ukraine Win
Goals Over 2.5
No Score: Away Team
