Ukraine and Northern Ireland stumbled in their opening Euro 2016 matches, losing to Germany and Poland, respectively. They will look to get their Group C campaigns back on track when they lock horns this afternoon in a critical showdown at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Who will emerge victorious in this pivotal clash? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this all-important match and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of Germany vs. Poland
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Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland Preview
Where: Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon
When: Thursday, June 16, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Ukraine -230 vs. Northern Ireland +550, tie +285; total 2.0 – view all Euro 2016 lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on Ukraine (-230)
Ukraine’s Euro campaign may have started off on the wrong foot but there were still plenty of positives for the Ukrainians to take heading into their crunch clash with Northern Ireland later today. Even though they lost 2-0 to Germany on Sunday, there were moments in the match that showed that Ukraine really belong in the international stage.
With that being said, the Ukrainians will take comfort in the fact that they were able to create several chances against Germany. They had five attempts against the European powerhouse with three of those going on target. For Ukraine to replicate that same offensive performance against Northern Ireland, they will need Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka to produce another blistering performance. Their pace were electric at times against Germany and they will be the ones tasked to unlock a Northern Ireland side that’s expected to line up in a more attacking 3-5-2 formation.
They will need to be at their best, though, against a Northern Ireland defense that will be bannered by ex-Manchester United star Jonny Evans. The 28-year-old’s experience in big matches shone through in the game against Poland as he made some crucial interceptions on his 50th appearance for the national team.
Ukraine are unbeaten in their last four matches against Northern Ireland. They are pegged at -280 to score first in this match.
Betting on Northern Ireland (+550)
Welcome to the big leagues, Northern Ireland!
The Green and White Army’s Euro stint is off to a disappointing start after absorbing a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Poland on Sunday. Northern Ireland had no answer for Ajax star Arkadiusz Milik who scored the game’s only goal with a scorching left-foot shot in the second half. The result could have been much worse for Northern Ireland if not for the heroics of goalkeeper Michael McGovern. He pulled off several excellent saves that kept the game from being a tremendous blowout. He hasn’t conceded more than one goal in any of his 12 appearances for Northern Ireland.
The biggest issue for Northern Ireland in this match, though, was their abysmal attack. They never looked like scoring against Poland as striker Kyle Lafferty was pretty much an isolated figure up front. The Ulstermen managed just two shots the entire match with none of those goal attempts going on target.
For Northern Ireland to grab a positive result against Ukraine, they need to control more possession this time around. The Ulstermen only had 35 percent of the ball against Poland on Sunday. Northern Ireland need to make full use of their speed down the flanks for that to occur and for them to threaten the Ukraine backline. The onus is on the Northern Ireland wingers to deliver killer passes for Lafferty to pounce on. The Norwich City striker has scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for the Norn Iron.
Northern Ireland have failed to win in their last six matches at major tournaments with two draws and four losses during that span. They are pegged at +310 to score first in this match.
Writer’s Prediction
Ukraine (-230) cruise past Northern Ireland, 3-0.
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