Ukraine face the Czech Republic in a UEFA Nations League Group B1 clash on Monday. Both teams often enjoy a progressive style of play and having served up a five goal thriller in the reverse fixture, another open contest could be on the cards.
Ukraine head into Monday’s clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat over Georgia in their previous UEFA Nations League fixture. They struck the only goal in the first half through Mykhailo Mudryk and were able to hold on for the win.
That was the first win in the Nations League for Ukraine, who have found things difficult so far. Manager Serhiy Rebrov will take confidence from the win over the group leaders and will be keen to use it as a spark to jump-start their campaign.
It has been a much better campaign for Czech Republic, who are level on six points with Georgia at the top of the standings. Having begun with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to the Georgians, Ivan Hasek’s men have gone on to win their last two matches.
The Czech Republic are coming off a 2-0 victory over Albania in their previous Nations League fixture. They were largely untroubled in the contest with goals in each half from Tomas Chory earning them the win.
How the bookies view it: Closely fought encounter
The bookies appear to be anticipating a closely fought contest with a win for Ukraine priced at 13/8 by Betfred, who is also offering 7/4 for a Czech Republic victory. A draw is set at odds of 9/4 by Betfred.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Ukraine and Czech Republic have claimed two wins each and as many draws from six previous matches. The Czechs triumphed 3-2 in the reverse fixture back in September.
Players to watch: Open contest favours attacks
Mudryk often brings his A-game for Ukraine and could be the one to each in Ukraine’s attack. With Artem Dovbyk also leading the line, the Ukrainians could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 2/7 with Betfred.
The Czech Republic have also shown plenty of attacking verve in recent times, led by Chory, who netted a brace against Albania. With Vaclav Cerny and Pavel Sulc providing support, the Czechs could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 1/3 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Having earned their first win in the Nations League, Ukraine are unlikely to make too many changes to their team. Dovbyk should lead the line once again, with Mudryk providing support while Illia Zabarnyi is set to continue in defence.
The Czech Republic are also likely to retain much of the team that beat Albania last time out. Martin Vitik remains a mainstay at the back, with Tomas Soucek set to continue in midfield while Chory is expected to lead the line once again.
Ukraine: Trubin, Matviienko, Talovierov, Zabarnyi, Konoplia, Kaliuzhny, Hutsuliak, Shaparenko, Sudakov, Mudryk, Dovbyk
Czech Republic: Kovar, Boril, Holes, Vitik, Coufal, Cerv, Soucek, Provod, Sulc, Cerny, Chory
Anything else catch the eye?
Ukraine and Czech Republic served up a five goal thriller in the reverse fixture and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 5/2 by Betfred, who is also offering 10/11 for over 2.5 goals while both teams could be backed to score at 8/11.
It is likely to be a cagey opening on Monday, so the second half could be backed to produce the most goals at 23/20 with Betfred. With a closely fought encounter expected, a halftime draw could be on the cards at 11/10 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Ukraine and Czech Republic will be played on Oct 14, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs Czech Republic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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