BELGIUM and Ukraine were expected to breeze through Group E at Euro 2024 but they face off in the final round of games with the threat of elimination hanging over them.
Surprise defeats to Slovakia and Romania on Matchday One, respectively, left both nations with a mountain to climb, but they bounced back by winning their second matches in the section.
That has left Group C wide open, with all four sides on three points. However, goal difference is keeping the Ukrainians at the bottom of the pile. If the final two matches end level, then Ukraine will find themselves eliminated with four points, which would be a cruel way to end their tournament.
So, I'd imagine they will push for the victory against a Belgian side that looked much more accomplished in their 2-0 win over Romania.
Kevin De Bruyne was at his brilliant best in that game for Domenico Tedesco's side and brought up a bet for our man Gabriel with his late clincher.
But Ukraine also boast plenty of firepower, so this should be a fascinating game on what promises to be a night of high drama.
How the bookies view it: Ukrainians written off
I'm surprised to see Ukraine as big as 4/1 with Betfred for this one as there doesn't appear to be a great deal between these sides. Belgium are just 8/13 and the draw pays 16/5.
Head to head: Each side out to make history
These sides have never faced off before so history will be written one way or another.
The Belgians had a poor record against the former USSR, losing four of the five meetings. However, they did beat the Soviets 4-3 at the 1986 World Cup and that was effectively a Ukrainian side given it was made up largely of players from the great Dynamo Kiev team.
Players to watch: Luckless Lukaku seeking rub of the green
Romelu Lukaku must have run over a black cat and crashed into a van carrying mirrors before Euro 2024 as he seems to be cursed. The striker has found the net three times at the finals, only for VAR to rule out each strike with controversial calls. Despite that, he's evens with Betfred to finally get off the mark here.
Roman Yaremchuk's brilliant goal off the bench against the Slovaks could earn him a start here ahead of Artem Dovybk, who hasn't taken his club form into the Euros. Yaremchuk is 11/4 for anytime scorer which looks decent value if he gets the nod.
Probable line-ups
Fit again Vitaliy Mykolenko could be brought back in for Ukraine at left-back while boss Serhiy Rebrov must decide whether to stick with misfiring Dovbyk or hand Yaremchuk a start.
Winger Dodi Lukebakio is suspended for the Belgians so Tedesco must decide whether to bring in Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko.
Ukraine: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Sudakov, Zinchenko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk, Mudryk
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Bakayoko; Lukaku
Anything else catch the eye?
This is a game that promises goals as both teams go for the win, although a lot could depend on how things are going in the other match. If either Slovakia or Romania race into a comfortable lead, these sides could play out a draw knowing it would take both of them through.
That's unlikely though so we should see an open game, with Betfred pricing BTTS and over 2.5 goals at 21/20. Backing the Belgians to score in both halves also appeals at 11/8.
Most goals have come in the second half in both of Ukraine's games so far and backing a repeat of that could pay off here at evens.
This Euro 2024 match between Ukraine and Belgium will be played on Jun 26, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs Belgium prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
