Slovakia vs Ukraine predictions: Falcons can keep flying high
- Slovakia are on a three-game winning streak
- Ukraine have won just one of their last four matches
- Recommended bet: Slovakia to win
There is a huge Euro 2024 clash in Group E at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf on Friday when Slovakia, fresh from their 1-0 win over Belgium, take on a wounded Ukraine.
It was a tremendous performance from the Falcons to overcome the Red Devils, who had two VAR decisions go against them, and they have put themselves in a great position to qualify for the next stage.
As for Ukraine, they were thumped 3-0 by Romania and they will need to recover quickly from that abject display at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Team news
Head coach Francesco Calzona is expected to name the same starting XI that defeated Belgium, with Boavista's Robert Bozenik continuing to lead the line.
Ukraine boss Serhiy Rebrov may decide to make some alterations to his side following the 3-0 loss to Romania, although Vitaliy Mykolenko remains a doubt after he missed the opening match with an ankle injury.
The likes of Andriy Yarmolenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Roman Yaremchuk will all be pushing for an opportunity to impress.
The stats
Slovakia's 1-0 win over Belgium extended their winning streak to three games, having recorded 4-0 victories over both San Marino and Wales before their Euro 2024 opener.
The Falcons have lost just one of their last eight assignments, a 2-0 friendly defeat to Austria in March, with four clean sheets kept during that period.
A victory for Slovakia would guarantee them a place in the last-16 stage, at least as a best third-placed team, while they will be confirmed in the top two if they triumph and Belgium fail to overcome Romania.
Ukraine have won just one of their last four assignments and their chances of finishing in the top two will be ended if they lose and Belgium do not beat Romania.
Prediction
While Slovakia rode their luck at times during the win over Belgium, they battled valiantly throughout the contest and grabbed a hard-earned victory that has given them a strong platform to build from.
Keeping out a side of Belgium's stature is no mean feat and it was the Falcons' third clean sheet in a row, following on the shutout victories over San Marino and Wales.
Confidence is high within Slovakia's camp and they can keep the momentum going at the expense of Ukraine, who were way off the pace in the opening defeat to Romania.
The worrying factor for Rebrov is the fact his side managed just two shots on target despite having over 71% possession and that lack of cutting edge is big concern.
Ukraine have lost two of their last three fixtures and they look there for the taking on Friday, with Slovakia backed to pick up a crucial three points.
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