Ukraine continue their push for promotion as they face Belgium in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoff. The Belgians are desperate to avoid relegation and under a new manager, are expected to hold out for a draw here.
Ukraine head into this game off the back of a 2-1 win at Albania in their previous fixture, a result that kept their League A promotion hopes alive. They finished second behind Czech Republic after claiming two wins and as many draws from six matches.
The Blue and Yellow scored in all six group games, netting eight times, four of which came in the first half. However, Serhiy Rebrov’s men have also experienced defensive shortcomings, failing to keep a clean sheet in five of those six matches.
Belgium have struggled in the Nations League, failing to win since the 3-1 victory in the opening fixture. They have lost four of their last five matches in the group and were beaten 1-0 away in Israel in their final Group A2 fixture, leaving them to battle in the playoffs.
Defensive frailties were among the concerns under former coach Domenico Tedesco, with the team conceding nine goals. Rudi Garcia is the new man at the helm and Belgium will be hoping for a fresh start as they fight to retain their League A status.
How the bookies view it: Belgium overwhelming favourites
Despite their struggles, Belgium are still considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/4 by BoyleSports to win. A victory for Ukraine is valued at 3/1 while BoyleSports are also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Teams evenly matched
The only meeting between both teams was a 0-0 draw at the 2024 European Championship.
Players to watch: Dependable Dovbyk
Artem Dovbyk has been in fine form for AS Roma, netting 15 goals this season, including one last weekend. He will look to carry that momentum to Ukraine’s clash, with BoyleSports offering odds of 3/1 on the striker to score anytime.
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time top scorer with 85 goals and is worth keeping an eye on. The striker remains the biggest attacking threat for the Belgians and is priced at 11/8 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal for Ukraine. Amongst the other invitees set to feature are Vitaliy Mykolenko, Illya Zabarnyi, Roman Yaremchuk and Oleksandr Zinchenko while Dovbyk should lead the line once again.
For Belgium, Thibaut Courtois is back in the national team and is expected to start in goal after his self-imposed exile. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku should also be given the nod in the starting line-up.
Ukraine: Lunin, Mykolenko, Zabarnyi, Konoplya, Matviyenko, Zinchenko, Sudakov, Shaparenko, Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Yaremchuk
Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Faes, Castagne, Theate, De Bruyne, Tielemans, De Ketelaere, Trossard, Doku, Lukaku
Anything else catch the eye?
Five of Ukraine’s last six Nations League games have witnessed both teams scoring and this trend is set to continue with BoyleSports offering odds of 5/6. Two of Belgium’s last three home matches have produced over 2.5 goals and a repeat is priced at 10/11 with BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 12/5 for a draw.
There have been goals in both halves of Ukraine’s last three matches and a similar outcome can be considered at 5/6.
This UEFA Nations League match between Ukraine and Belgium will be played on and kick off at 19:45. 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.
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