Slovakia - Ukraine predictions and free betting tips [21/06/2024]

On Friday, June 21 in the 2nd round of the group stage of Euro 2024, Slovakia will face the national team of Ukraine. Unlike their upcoming opponents, who defeated Belgium, the Yellow-Blues suffered a crushing defeat from Romania and will be eager to earn their first points of the tournament.

Expected line-ups

Slovakia: Dúbravka; Pekarík, Vavro, Škriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Haraslín, Boženík.

As in the first round, Slovakia can rely on their optimal line-up, with no personnel losses. However, it should be noted that the coaching staff decided to do without the experienced Róbert Mak (16 goals in 81 matches) for this Euro and had to manage without defender Tomič (5 matches), who got injured a few weeks ago. Winger Schranz (Slavia Prague), who scored the winning goal against Belgium after Kucka's (Slovan Bratislava) assist, should once again form an attacking trio with Haraslín (Sparta Prague) and Boženík (Boavista)

All other key players are also available to start. This includes goalkeeper Dúbravka (Newcastle), who was excellent against the Red Devils, defenders Škriniar (PSG), Hancko (Feyenoord), Denis Vavro and Peter Pekarík, as well as midfielders Lobotka (Napoli) and Duda (Verona). Tomas Suslov (Verona) and David Ďuriš (Ascoli) can strengthen the team in the second half.

Ukraine: Lunin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Sudakov, Stepanenko, Malinovskyi; Tsyhankov, Mudryk, Dovbyk.

Left-back Mykolenko (Everton), who was on the bench in the first round, has fully recovered from his injury and hopes to take the field this Friday. Thus, Ukraine is preparing to play in their optimal line-up, except for defenders Kryvtsov (Inter Miami) and Karavaev (Dynamo Kyiv), midfielder Buyalsky (Dynamo Kyiv) and forward Sikan (Shakhtar Donetsk), who were not called up for the tournament. The top scorer of La Liga this season with Girona, Dovbyk (10 goals in 29 matches), won the competition for the forward position against the experienced Yaremchuk (Valencia, 15 goals in 51 matches).

He will once again be supported on the wings by wingers Tsyhankov (Girona) and Mudryk (Chelsea). Promising playmaker Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk), as well as defenders Zinchenko (Arsenal), Matviyenko (Shakhtar Donetsk) and Zabarnyi (Bournemouth) will take the field from the first minute. Goalkeeper Lunin, who performed admirably this season for Real Madrid, failed to shine in the match against Romania and received harsh criticism in the media. Yarmolenko (34 years old, Dynamo Kyiv, 46 goals in 120 matches) will once again look to make an impact from the bench.

Slovakia

Slovakia surprised everyone in the first round, defeating the group favourites Belgium with a score of 1:0. Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia an early lead, and two goals by Romelu Lukaku were disallowed after VAR checks, including for a handball by Loïs Openda. Of course, Slovakia was lucky not to concede, but the fact remains: Francesco Calzona's charges ended Belgium's 15-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. This team has not shone in previous continental championships but still participated in the last two Euros.

In 2021, the Falcons even defeated Poland 2:1 in the opening group stage match (in Saint Petersburg), but were then beaten twice and left the tournament early. To secure a spot in Germany, the nominal hosts of this match finished 2nd in their qualifying group, behind Portugal, with 22 points out of a possible 30. Preparing for the opening match of the tournament, Slovakia gained confidence with a 4:0 win over San Marino and a 4:0 victory over Wales at the beginning of June. A win on Friday would see the Tricolore advance to the playoffs for the first time in the country's independent history.

Ukraine

Ukraine was expected to do much better at Euro 2024 after a brilliantly conducted qualifying campaign that saw them finish 3rd in their group with the same number of points as reigning European champions Italy. However, Serhiy Rebrov's charges disappointed in the first round and were crushed by one of the tournament's underdogs, Romania (3:0). The team had over 70% ball possession but managed only two shots on target compared to Romania's five. Now, the nominal visitors have no choice but to achieve a result, or they risk elimination.

The Yellow-Blues secured their spot at the Continental Championship in Germany through a qualifying playoff triumph in March. First, they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina (1:2), followed by a final victory over Iceland (2:1). In early June, Ukraine drew 0:0 with Germany in a friendly, lost 3:1 in Poland, and achieved success (0:4) in Moldova. Interestingly, in the previous Euro, it was in the second round that the Zbirna took three points – against North Macedonia (2:1).

Head-to-Head

Ukraine has avoided defeat in seven of the last eight meetings with Slovakia, although in the latest encounter in the Nations League in November 2018, the Yellow-Blues were beaten 4:1.

Prediction for Slovakia vs Ukraine Match

In major tournaments, there's always a surprise team, and in the last Euro, it was Denmark. What if this year that tag goes to Slovakia? It is quite possible, given their superb qualifying campaign with 22 points out of 30 followed by a victory over Belgium in the first round. The Ukrainians, on the other hand, appeared completely disorganised in the match against Romania, and now they face a stronger opponent. I dare to predict that the Red-Whites will at least not lose.

Prediction on Total Goals

Ukraine conceded three goals even from modest Romania, and overall kept only two clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions. Boldly bet on an individual total over 1 goal for Calzona's men.

Prediction on Corners

Ukraine needs to win at all costs given the current group standings, so Rebrov's charges will be in control and attack more. I bet on a win for Zbirna in corner kicks.

Prediction on Yellow Cards

In the first round, both teams earned only one yellow card each, so I bet on a total of fewer than 3.5 bookings.

Score Prediction

I'll go for a 2:2 draw as the final score.