Prediction: Ukraine vs Northern Ireland

Prediction: Ukraine win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The domestic season may be over but the summer has only just begun. Between the Summer Olympics and the Euros we’ve got a whole lot to look forward to and as the countdown to kick-off for the latter continues, we thought we’d take a look at a friendly game between two teams with very different priorities. Ukraine want to escape a group they should be confident in getting out of, whereas Northern Ireland will be spending the next few months sitting at home.

Ukraine

Ukraine looked really good during the Euro qualifiers but over the last few months, they haven’t been able to buy a win from anywhere. They’ve still got impact players and they should still look at their group as one they can get out of, but they can’t afford to be lethargic. They need to win a game before heading on their European adventure this summer, and this offers up the perfect opportunity for them to do just that.

Team News

After missing out due to COVID back in March, Yarmolenko is set to be welcomed back to the Ukraine side for this game. Konoplyanka is out through injury, though, but Zinchenko should be able to make an appearance after popping up in the Champions League final over the weekend.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will not be taking part in the Euros this summer as a direct result of their playoff defeat to Slovakia back in November. Their squad seems to be heading in a downward direction when it comes to what they can realistically expect from the next few years, and even though that may sound a little bit harsh, plenty of their fans recognise how much of an overturn is required for them to come close to qualifying for major tournaments again.

Team News

Lafferty and Ballard will both be available for selection after missing the Malta friendly due to playoff commitments. Elsewhere, McClelland could make his debut with the hope being that this squad can really push towards bringing through some intriguing young prospects to guide the national team forward.

Factors to Consider

• Ukraine will begin their Euro 2020 journey on June 13 against the Netherlands.
• Ukraine have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
• N. Ireland have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Ukraine have scored five goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• N. Ireland have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Even though Northern Ireland are the ones who don’t have any pressure on their shoulders, we still think Ukraine are going to be able to pull out the win here. They’re trying to experiment but at this stage in their opponent’s rebuilding phase, there’s nothing to suggest they’ll offer up too much resistance. We’re going with Ukraine to win it and build some momentum heading into an electric tournament this summer.

Prediction: Ukraine win

Best Odds: 6/10

Bookmaker: 888sport