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Sports Mole preview Tuesday’s Nations League clash between Ukraine and Republic of Ireland, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
Ukraine fight back Irish republic in the neutral city of Lodz with a chance to keep their 100% record UEFA Nations League.
At a time when they are top of Group B1, the Republic of Ireland are second after recording a much-needed win over Scotland last time out.
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©Reuters
Given the dismal performances against Armenia and Ukraine, there was suspicion Stephen Kenny gradually came under pressure in the dugout of the Republic of Ireland.
However, he has long stressed that the Boys In Green are still in a period of transition, as illustrated by the contrasting performance they put on against Scotland.
Alan Brown, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi gave the Republic of Ireland a 3-0 win in Dublin, Kenny calling the victory one of the most significant in years.
Although some nations do not always prioritize the Nations League, it is vital that the Republic of Ireland remain in Tier Two and even avoiding defeat in Poland will bring them closer to that goal.
However, after losing 1-0 to Ukraine last week, Kenny and his players will be motivated to do better, especially with the risk of their opponents running away with the group.
Just a week has passed since Ukraine lost to Wales in the World Cup playoff final. Oleksandr Petrakov Many chances were missed in the 1-0 defeat in Wales.
In the short time that followed, the blue and yellow recorded successive victories, the triumph in Dublin was followed by a 3-0 win against Armenia.
While the result suggests that Ukraine won the latter of those games convincingly, the deadlock was only broken just after the hour mark before eventually escalating.
More team changes could follow on Tuesday after an intense period, but there is a depth to this squad that could make any rotation irrelevant.
Form of Ukraine Nations League:
Ukraine form (all competitions):
Republic of Ireland Nations League Form:
Republic of Ireland form (all competitions):
Team News
©Reuters
Left-back Vitaliy Mylolenko could return to Ukraine’s starting XI Oleksandr Zinchenko return to midfield.
While Artem Dovbyk will hope for another chance in attack, Roman Yaremchuk could keep his place after being substituted after 70 minutes last time out.
Andriy Yarmolenko should be remembered with on the right flank Victor Zygankov Relegated to the substitutes’ bench.
Kenny is facing a number of changes to his Republic of Ireland XI Shane Duffy suspended and Obafemi picked up a groin injury.
Josh Cullen also played three games in quick succession, so Dara O’Shea, Jeff Henrik and Callum Robinson could all be drafted into the starting XI.
Ukraine possible starting line-up:
Pyatov; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mylolenko; Zinchenko, Sydorchuk, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk, Mudryk
Republic of Ireland possible starting line-up:
cellarer Egan, Collins, O’Shea; Browne, Knight, Hendrick, Molumby, McClean; Robinson, Parrott
We say Ukraine 2-0 Republic of Ireland
While the Republic of Ireland were very impressive last time out, the above selection issues will not do Kenny’s men any favours. With that in mind, we believe Ukraine will have a comfortable winner and potentially score in each half.
For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, goal scores and more for this game, please click here.
top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com predict under 3.5 goals in this game. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and for more of their tried and true football tips.Under 3.5:Data