Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

We’re into the thick of it now, as Tom Winch offers up a Slovakia vs Ukraine prediction, team news and lineups Euro 2024 preview.

In Group E, Slovakia takes on Ukraine in Dusseldorf on Friday afternoon. Slovakia recorded a shock victory on Monday evening. Ukraine were well beaten by Romania in the match before.

• Slovakia vs Ukraine Tip 1: Ukraine -0.25 Asian Handicap
• Slovakia vs Ukraine Tip 2: Artem Dovbyk AGS
• Slovakia vs Ukraine Tip 3: Georgiy Sudakov Over 0.5 SOT

Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 1: Back For Revenge

Euro 2024, Friday, June 21st, 14:00 (UK)

Ukraine’s Euro 2024 campaign started terribly. They were humiliated in Munich as Romania cruised the contest and left with a 3-0 victory. Rebrov’s men dominated possession and racked up more passes, but things didn’t go their way. They must improve on Friday. It’s an encounter Ukraine needs to win.

The result on Monday was a shock. However, I don’t think we should write Ukraine off at all. There’s plenty of quality in the squad. They have the capability of turning things around. It won’t be straightforward. Ukraine was likely to have a successful campaign.

Wow, who saw that coming? Slovakia rode their luck, but they didn’t care. Francesco Calzona’s men beat Belgium in Frankfurt. Slavia Prague’s Ivan Schranz scored the only goal just seven minutes in. Romelu Lukaku had two goals ruled out. It was meant to be for Slovakia.

It’s fair to say that Ukraine is the stronger side. Despite Slovakia’s emphatic win, the stats were a mismatch. Belgium racked up 16 shots, four big chances and 1.91xG. Martin Dubravka made five saves that afternoon in an encounter that took everything out of Slovakia.

I’m confident Ukraine will turn up in a positive mood. They know that improvement is needed. They can’t afford to slip up again. The Asian Handicap is where I’m heading for my first selection. We’ll receive a full payout if Ukraine picks up three points. Half of our stakes will return if it ends all square, and it’ll go down as a loser if Slovakia records another victory.

• Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 1: Ukraine -0.25 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 4/10

Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 2: Don’t Underestimate Dovbyk

I had high expectations for Artem Dovbyk, especially after his tremendous season in La Liga. The Ukrainian looked disappointing as his side lacked any cutting edge. We know about Artem’s emphatic debut campaign with Girona. There’s a reason why he was crowned top scorer with 24 goals. I haven’t lost my hope in him just yet.

The offer price is appealing. Perhaps the opening round results have forced the bookmakers to price this game closer than it should. Slovakia was fortunate. Stanislav Loboktka said himself that his side was lucky. Dovbyk will have chances in this fixture against a nation that gave everything against Belgium. There could be some tired legs, which will benefit Ukraine and Artem Dovbyk.

There’s no doubt that our man will start once again. He’s on penalty duty and will be a threat in the air. We can’t ignore his 0.83 goals per 90 in La Liga. The Girona man is relatively inexperienced on the international stage. He did score against Poland and Moldova before heading to Germany. There’s every chance that he opens his account in Düsseldorf.

• Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 2: Artem Dovbyk AGS (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 3.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10

Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 3: Sudakov’s A Talent

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Georgiy Sudakov is a fantastic talent. I expect the 21-year-old will be playing football in a top European league sooner rather than later. Sudakov recorded four shots against Romania on Monday, with one hitting the target. I’m backing him to record another SOT. The price appeals and is one I can’t ignore.

With Ukraine needing to win, it makes sense to get their offensive players on our side. Sudakov had more attempts than any of his teammates in that dismal display. The youngster isn’t afraid to pull the trigger. All four of those attempts came from outside the box.

Slovakia knows they don’t have to win this encounter. They will want to, of course. Picking up three points in the opening round was massive. Another point will probably be enough to qualify for the knockout stages. Calzona may take a cautious approach on Friday. A draw would be a superb result.

Georgiy Sudakov will play centrally, just behind Artem Dovbyk. He’s a threat. Slovakia will sit deep and allow Ukraine to have plenty of possession. Shooting from range will be one where Sudakov will fancy his chances. This selection won in the opening round. I’m expecting the man from Shakhtar to be busy again.

• Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction 3: Georgiy Sudakov Over 0.5 SOT (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 4/10

Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction odds via bet365 as at 07:00, June 18th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Slovakia vs Ukraine Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: Ready To Go Again

There don’t appear to be any injury concerns from both nations. It’s a big game, especially for Ukraine.

I expect Sergiy Rebrov to make some changes to the side that was beaten by Romania. The attacking front four of Mudryk, Tsygankov, Sudakov and Dovbyk should start.

Slovakia’s starting 11 from the victory over Belgium will all hope to start once again. I can’t blame them. There may be some tired legs. The adrenalin will overcome that feeling.

Slovakia possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko, Kucka, Lobotka, Duda, Schranz, Haraslin; Bozenik

Ukraine possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Zinchenko, Stepanenko, Brazhko, Mudryk, Tsygankov, Sudakov; Dovbyk

Euro 2024 Match Stats: Entertainment Factor

• Slovakia’s win over Belgium is the biggest upset of Euro 2024.
• Romania’s win over Ukraine was their first in eight outings in the European Championships.
• 12 corners were taken in both opening round matches in Group E.
• This is the first European Championships meeting between the two nations.

Slovakia Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Superb Opening Encounter

• Vs Belgium (N)
• Vs Ukraine (N)
• Vs Romania (N)

Ukraine Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Gotta Dig Deep

• Vs Romania (N)
• Vs Slovakia (N)
• Vs Belgium (N)

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