Ukraine meet Republic of Ireland at Stadion Miejski LKS, Lodz, Poland in Group 1 of League B in 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
Depending on how Scotland fare away against Armenia earlier in the evening, victory could see Ukraine extend their lead at the top of the group.
Ireland meanwhile could leapfrog Ukraine and go top with a win if results in Armenia also go in their favour.
Team News
Ukraine have no fresh injury concerns to report but will be without veteran goalkeeper, Andriy Pyatov after he retired from international duty following Saturday’s win over Armenia.
Republic of Ireland have called up Jimmy Dunne to the squad as a replacement for the suspended Shane Duffy, who has been released early from international duty.
John Egan (personal) has also departed the squad but won’t be replaced.
Stat Attack
- Ukraine won their only previous clash against Republic of Ireland – in which they prevailed 1-0 away in Dublin last Wednesday courtesy of Viktor Tsyhankov’s 47th minute winner.
- Republic of Ireland are playing away against Ukraine for the very first time in all competitions, albeit with this clash taking place on neutral ground in Lodz, Poland.
- All four of Ukraine’s goals in this group have been scored after half-time.
- Ukraine are unbeaten in their last four matches in which they played as the home team in all competitions (W1, D3).
- Ireland are chasing consecutive wins for the first time since October 2021, when they netted seven goals in total in victories over Azerbaijan and Qatar.
Prediction
Following Saturday’s dominant victory against Armenia, Ukraine come into this match on a positive high and should Armenia draw against Scotland in the teatime kick-off, victory could well see Ukraine move onto the verge of promotion with two matches left.
Ireland though will head to Lodz full of renewed belief after stunning Scotland on Saturday with a clinical attacking performance, in which they showed creativity and threat especially in their crosses despite some sloppy defending at times particularly when playing out from the back.
This match though should be much closer just like their clash in Dublin was last week but I can’t help but feel that Ireland must replicate Saturday’s effort with tighter defending, otherwise I can see Ukraine winning this if they are again at their best.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 ROI
Result: Ukraine 1-1 ROI
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