Slovakia vs Ukraine: Preview, predictions and lineups

Slovakia will look to build on their famous victory over Belgium when they take on Ukraine in their second outing in Group E.

Ivan Schranz’s goal and a helping hand from VAR saw Slovakia secure their greatest European Championship result against an underwhelming Belgium team, with FIFA’s 48th-ranked side aiming to reach the knockout stages for only the second time as an independent nation.

Meanwhile, Ukraine are looking to bounce back from a dismal 3-0 opening defeat to Romania, with Serhiy Rebrov’s side still harbouring hopes of making it beyond the group stage. After a torrid display last time out, the Euro 2020 quarter-finalists can ill-afford defeat against Slovakia.

Here’s 90min’s preview of Slovakia vs Ukraine at Euro 2024.

Slovakia vs Ukraine H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Slovakia are unlikely to change much from their heroic win over Belgium, especially across the backline. High-profile stars Martin Dubravka, Milan Skriniar and David Hancko were all magnificent en route to a clean sheet.

Ondrej Duda was withdrawn in the 94th minute through injury but it’s difficult to decipher whether that was a genuine concern or merely a bit of time-wasting. If fit, he should start alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Juraj Kucka in midfield.

Slovakia predicted lineup vs Ukraine (4-3-3): Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin.

Rebrov may be tempted to make wholesale changes following a difficult day at the office against Romania, but he should keep faith in the majority of his stars. Up top, Artem Dovbyk, Mykhailo Mudryk and Georgiy Sudakov shouldn’t lose their places.

Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko remains a doubt having missed the recent defeat with injury. If he’s unavailable, Oleksandr Zinchenko will have to fill in at left-back instead of operating in midfield.

Ukraine…