MX23RW : Saturday, June 18 07:13:31| >> :120:50640:50640:
[monks data]
Jun 14, 2022 at 7.45pm UK
Ukraine
1 - 1
Rep. Ireland
Dovbyk (47')
Zabarnyi (49'), Yarmolenko (51'), Zinchenko (79')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Collins (31')
Browne (65'), Lenihan (81')

Preview: Ukraine vs. Republic of Ireland - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's Nations League clash between Ukraine and Republic of Ireland, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ukraine square off against Republic of Ireland in the neutral city of Lodz with the opportunity to maintain their 100% record in the UEFA Nations League.

At a time when they sit top of League B Group 1, Republic of Ireland are in second position after recording a much-needed victory over Scotland last time out.


Match preview

Republic of Ireland's Troy Parrott celebrates scoring their first goal on March 29, 2022© Reuters

On the back of drab performances against Armenia and Ukraine, there was the suggestion that Stephen Kenny was beginning to come under pressure in the Republic of Ireland dugout.

However, he has long insisted that the Boys In Green are still going through a transitional period, something highlighted by the contrasting display that they produced against Scotland.

Alan Browne, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi earned Republic of Ireland a 3-0 win in Dublin, Kenny describing the win as one of their most significant in years.

Although some nations do not always prioritise the Nations League, it feels important that Republic of Ireland remain at the second tier, and even avoiding defeat in Poland will move them closer towards that goal.

However, having lost out 1-0 to Ukraine last week, Kenny and his players will be motivated to give a better account of themselves, particularly with their opponents threatening to run away with the group.

Only a week has passed since Ukraine came up short against Wales in the World Cup playoff final, Oleksandr Petrakov witnessing numerous chances squandered during the 1-0 defeat in Wales.

In the short time that has followed, the Blue and Yellow have posted successive wins, the triumph in Dublin being followed by a 3-0 success over Armenia.

While the scoreline suggests that Ukraine won the latter of those fixtures convincingly, the deadlock was not broken until shortly after the hour mark before they ultimately ran riot.

After an intense period, more team changes could follow on Tuesday, but there is a depth about this squad that may render any rotation irrelevant.

Ukraine Nations League form:
  • W
  • W

Ukraine form (all competitions):
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • W
  • W

Republic of Ireland Nations League form:
  • L
  • L
  • W

Republic of Ireland form (all competitions):
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • W


Team News

Ukraine's Andriy Yarmolenko celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates on June 7, 2021© Reuters

Left-back Vitaliy Mylolenko may be restored to the Ukraine starting lineup, allowing for Oleksandr Zinchenko to return to the midfield.

While Artem Dovbyk will hope for another chance in attack, Roman Yaremchuk could retain his spot after being substituted on the 70-minute mark last time out.

Andriy Yarmolenko should be recalled on the right flank with Viktor Tsygankov dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Kenny faces making a number of changes to his Republic of Ireland XI, with Shane Duffy suspended and Obafemi having picked up a groin injury.

Josh Cullen has also played three games in quick succession, so Dara O'Shea, Jeff Hendrick and Callum Robinson could all be drafted into the starting lineup.

Ukraine possible starting lineup:
Pyatov; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mylolenko; Zinchenko, Sydorchuk, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk, Mudryk

Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Egan, Collins, O'Shea; Browne, Knight, Hendrick, Molumby, McClean; Robinson, Parrott


SM words green background

We say: Ukraine 2-0 Republic of Ireland

While Republic of Ireland were hugely impressive last time out, the aforementioned selection issues will not do Kenny's men any favours. With that in mind, we feel that Ukraine will run out comfortable winners, potentially scoring a goal in either half.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

ID:487859:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10078:

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How you voted: Ukraine vs Rep. Irelvs

Ukraine
84.5%
Draw
7.8%
Republic of Ireland
7.8%
116
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Scott McKenna and Anthony Ralston celebrate scoring for Scotland against Armenia on June 8, 2022.
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Wales, Republic of Ireland lose in Nations League, Scotland post win
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