Euro 2012, Group D, Monday, Kiev, 7.45pm
UKRAINE are keen to get off to a flier but like fellow co-hosts Poland may have to settle for an opening draw.
On paper there is little between two teams who are more workmanlike than spectacular and could cancel each other out in a low-scoring draw. Under 2.25 goals pays 4-5 with BetVictor.
Sweden are often regarded as a one-man team and for sure Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the man to consider for a goal. He is 11-5 at Betfred to net at any time and 6-1 with William Hill and others to score first.
Ibrahimovic netted 28 goals for AC Milan last season but is likely to play off frontman Ola Toivenen in a role that has found him more effective for his country and it was from that position he netted five goals in qualifiers.
With Andriy Shevchenko not getting any younger, Ukraine's new star is Dynamo Kiev winger Andrei Yarmolenko who has netted six goals in his last 10 internationals.
He and Oleg Gusev on the right will provide decent width and Yarmolenko is worth a look at
3-1 with Paddy Power to score. To break the deadlock he is 8-1 at Ladbrokes and Paddy Power.
The draw pays a biggest 9-4 at Betfred and a 1-1 scoreline at 7-1 with William Hill must have a chance.
Recommendations
Yarmolenko to score
(3-1, Paddy Power)
Under 2.25 goals
(4-5, BetVictor)
In December 2020 we sadly 
I’ve gone £10 on Sweden to win and Ibrahimovic to score anytime with William hill. Was 3/1 now 8/1.
im on 2-2 @ 18/1 with stan james. both sides are 40/1 for a 3-2 win. think there could be goals in this one.
Sean, remember it’s Hodgson in charge. I’d be surprised if there were more than two and certainly not more than three.
Thats some price difference Chris. I’m thinking Sweden might edge this too.
Anybody thinking of backing Gusev, note that he is often now deployed at right back. I know he’s taken a few pens lately but I don’t think Sheva was on the park at the time.
Marc, from what I have read Gusev will play as a right winger and not sure is if Sheva will start.
beware of elmander bets rosenberg joins zlatan and toivonen uptop
Sweden draw no bet would be my bet for this game, with a side bet of Sweden to win!
Luke, I reckon it’s a tough one to call tonight but hopefully some goals.
Can’t split these so I’m backing 2-0 for both sides. At 15/1 for each, it works out at 7/1 for my stake.
Goals would be good as Im not betting a penny on it! May be tempted into a big bet on Russia tomorrow!
My Bets For tonight
Sweden and Ibrahimovic anytime 8/1 williamhill
and
Toivonen First Scorer 8/1 Betfred dd/hh
Safety first was worth it earlier so sweden DNB evens
Both teams to score I fancy tonight
small bet on gusev to score first…and manofthematch 12/1
Ali, another cagey one, still difficult to pick a winner.
Any good looking bets at half time?!
BTTS 11/4 & Ibra nxt gl 15/2, just put fiver on each. can see goals in 2nd half
best 9 mins of tournae for me there so far haha
What a turnaround and Shevchenko’s still got it after all.
Tenner on big Zlatan saves my night lol