Written By: Mark Walker, , Match Preview

UKRAINE and Iceland battle it out on Tuesday with a place at the European Championships at stake in the play-off final in Poland.

This is officially Ukraine's ‘home' game but is being played in Wroclaw because of the war in their homeland.

Both sides made it through the semi-finals with contrasting degrees of difficulty. For Iceland, it was a breeze, but Ukraine made it by the seat of their pants.

They were a goal down in Bosnia with five minutes to go but two goals in three minutes completely turned the tie on its head and Artem Dovbyk's winner sent them through to the Finals.

It would be an emotional triumph for them if they made it to Germany, especially as they failed at this stage for the World Cup when they lost in Wales.

Iceland had a disappointing Euros qualifying campaign where they finished 12 points behind second place Slovakia and lost six of their ten games.

But wily old manager Age Hareide has got them going again and the 70-year-old former Norway and Denmark manager guided them to an impressive 4-1 humbling of Israel in the semis, which were played in another neutral venue in Hungary.

How the bookies view it

Ukraine are strong favourites here at 9/20 with bet365. A win for Iceland is 13/2 with Paddy Power and the draw is 16/5 with William Hill.

Recent head to heads

The nations have played four times and there have been one win apiece with two draws.

Players to watch

Artem Dovbyk was the hero for Ukraine as stated with that late winner and the Girona striker has also enjoyed an excellent season with the La Liga shock troops. He's scored 17 goals this season for club and country and is 7/4 to score again with bet365.

Albert Gudmundsson was Iceland's hero with a stunning hat-trick in the semi against the Israelis. He too has done well domestically with Genoa in Serie A and has scored 15 goals in total this season. He is 5/1 to score anytime with UniBet.

Anything else catch the eye?

This might not be as easy as the odds suggest for Ukraine who were five minutes from heading out and have already lost at this stage in the recent past.

Iceland have nothing to lose and are coached by one of the most experienced international managers in the business.

That win against Israel should be a warning and it's worth backing Iceland on the double chance which gives us the draw on our side too at 7/4 with Paddy Power.

Both teams to score looks a big price too at 5/4 with bet365 and that should be backed in what should be a decent open game.

This match between Ukraine and Iceland will be played on Mar 26, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs Iceland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Iceland double chance
7/4
PaddyPower
Both teams to score
5/4
Bet365

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