UKRAINE will be looking to bounce back from defeat in their opening Group C match, when they meet North Macedonia in Bucharest on Thursday afternoon.
Andriy Shevchenko's side came close to claiming a dramatic point in a thrilling 3-2 loss to the Netherlands on Sunday, on a night where I backed Ukraine to make the net bulge.
Tipped by some as dark horses before the tournament, Ukraine have no time to feel sorry for themselves after their agonising defeat to the Dutch in Amsterdam.
In fact, Shevchenko and co could well be entering must-win territory in Bucharest as they bid to keep their chances of a last-16 place alive.
North Macedonia, meanwhile, put in a spirited display before falling to a 3-1 defeat against Austria in the Romanian capital.
That was the Red Lynxes maiden match at a major tournament but they demonstrated that they aren't a side to be underestimated and they are unlikely to shut up shop against Ukraine.
Outright Betting
Ukraine have lost just one of their last seven matches and they are understandably the favourites to win this Group C clash at odds-on 4/6 with Bet 365.
North Macedonia are massive underdogs at 5/1 with UniBet while the draw is an unfancied 14/15 with the same firm.
Betting Angles
Ukraine will have earmarked this fixture with North-Macedonia as one where three points are crucial if they are to qualify from the group.
However, the Ukrainians look a bit too skinny to side with at the aforementioned odds so I'll head to Bet 365‘s Bet Builder to get a bigger price.
If we combine Ukraine to win alongside over two Ukraine corners we can get some 10/11 (Bet 365) and that makes plenty of appeal.
Indeed, North Macedonia put up a good fight against Austria but they were ultimately outplayed and Ukraine should have too much class for the lowest ranked team at the tournament.
Shevchenko's side were mighty impressive in qualifying for Euro 2020 and it's worth noting that they have got on the scoresheet in recent contests with the likes of France, Germany and the Netherlands.
With that in mind, coupled with the state of play in this section, I'm more than happy to back Ukraine to bag a much-needed three points in Bucharest.
In order to boost up the price, I'll throw over two Ukraine corners into the mix – Shevchenko's preferred system focuses on width and three or more flag kicks doesn't look like too much to ask of a team who should be playing on the front foot in this one.
That train of thought could also see some value lie with the 10/11 on offer with Betfred for Ukraine to score two or more goals at the National Arena on Thursday afternoon.
The aforementioned betting angle would have banked profit against a far superior Netherlands side, not to mention minnows North Macedonia have posted just one clean sheet across their last nine meaningful matches.
This Euro 2020 match between Ukraine and North Macedonia will be played on Jun 17, 2021 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs North Macedonia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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