Ukraine vs Belgium Prediction: Expert Analysis and Match Preview
The two original favourites in Group E, Ukraine and Belgium, meet in the third and final round at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart on Wednesday afternoon.
Both Ukraine and Belgium have bounced back from their opening defeats. Which team will come out on top in this crucial Group E match?
Ukraine vs Belgium: Team Form and Recent Performances
Belgium have won 11, drawn 4, and lost 1 of their last 16 games in all competitions. Ukraine have conceded four goals in their first two games at the Euros. Ukraine have scored three or more goals in each of their last four matches in all competitions. Romelu Lukaku has had three goals disallowed in the tournament so far.
Ukraine’s Journey in the Tournament
Ukraine survived a tough test against Slovakia on Friday afternoon. They were in danger of elimination after just two rounds, but a couple of late goals in the second half ensured they stayed in the competition.
Mykola Sharapenko and Roman Yaremchuk scored the decisive goals for Ukraine five days ago. However, Serhiy Rebrov’s side remain bottom of the table due to their inferior goal difference.
Belgium’s Recovery and Prospects
Belgium suffered a heavy defeat against Slovakia on the first matchday but gained revenge on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Romania. Youri Tielemans and Kevin de Bruyne scored the goals for the Red Devils, while record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku had another goal disallowed.
Ukraine vs Belgium: Line-Ups and Team News
Ukraine (4-3-3): Trubin, Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Mykolenko, Shaparenko, Sudakov, Zinchenko – Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Belgium (3-4-3): Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Doku, Tielemans, Onana, Theate, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Trossard
Ukraine’s Team News: Serhiy Rebrov has no injuries to report ahead of the final game of the group stage. Artem Dovbyk could be back in the starting eleven, leaving Roman Yaremchuk on the bench. Anatoliy Trubin has defended his place in goal ahead of Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.
Belgium’s Team News: Belgium will still be without the injured Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier, while Dodi Lukebakio is suspended after picking up two yellow cards so far in the tournament. Lukebakio’s suspension clears the way for the return of Leandro Trossard to the starting line-up.
Key Battles and Predictions
Ukraine have had significant problems with their lack of defensive meticulousness of late. Now they face one of the most prolific attacking lines in Europe.
Belgium have scored plenty of goals in their two games at the tournament so far. Romelu Lukaku has scored three unrecognized goals in two games. Nevertheless, the Red Devils managed to score two goals in their win against Romania on Saturday evening.
Domenico Tedesco’s side have 11 wins, 4 draws, and just one defeat in their 16 games in all competitions so far. Ukraine have lost two of their last four games, including a resounding 3-0 defeat to Romania to kick off Euro 2024.
Ukraine vs Belgium: Betting Tips: Belgium to Lead and Win
We’re backing Belgium to lead at half-time and win the match at the end with odds of 2.60.
Romelu Lukaku: Key Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all-time top scorer. With 14 goals in 10 European Championship qualifying matches last year, he was also the top scorer in Euro’s entire qualifying campaign. Nevertheless, he is struggling to hit the target at Euro 2024.
The robust Roma striker has scored three unrecognized goals in the first two games. The Ukrainian defense has been very inconsistent of late.
The team conceded four goals in the first two games of the tournament. Lukaku will get his chance on Wednesday. We are betting on Lukaku to score at odds of 2.10.
