Ukraine vs Austria, UEFA Euro 2020, Today Match Prediction

Ukraine vs Austria Match Prediction & Analysis

Ukraine are currently occupying the all-important second position in Group C over their opponents Austria due to the fact that they have scored an extra goal in their two matches so far.

With this is mind, they must only avoid defeat here in order to stay above Austria. However, as they have shown throughout this tournament so far, this will likely go for the win.

Austria must secure victory here to claim second place, however are likely to go through even if they lose or draw thanks to the three points they have already secured, making them one of the four best third place teams.

In terms of who both teams might face next, it won’t make too much difference, with a group winner awaiting both second and third place finishers. 

The team who finish second are likely to face Italy, while the third place team could face either France or Spain.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ukraine Preview

World Ranking: 24

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Group Stage

Predicted Finish This Year: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have scored twice in each of their games so far

     Avoiding defeat here would secure second place

Reasons to be fearful:

     A big defeat could see them in trouble

     Have conceded as many as they have scored

The Ukraine have been one of the surprise packages in attack at the tournament so far, scoring four goals from their two games, with Yarmolenko and Yaremchuck each scoring in both.

They will be competing with the likes of Lukaku, Immobile and others for the golden boot at this tournament, but they must first secure safe passage through to the Round of 16.

Should they finish second, as they are expected to now do so, they will likely face a brilliant Italy who have swept to maximum points so far.

They will need to vastly improve at the back with that in mind, having conceded as many as they have scored in the competition so far.

Star Man – Andriy Yarmolenko

With two goals and one assist, he is joint-second in terms of goal involvements at the tournament so far. His beautiful left footed shot is a great asset for Ukraine.

Austria Preview

World Ranking: 23

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Group Stage, 2008/2016

Predicted Finish This Year: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Marko Arnautovic comes back into the side follow one-match ban

     Three or four points should be enough to see them through

Reasons to be fearful:

     Would be risky for Austria to simply play for a draw

     Ukraine have looked better going forward

Whatever happens in this game, Austria still stand a good chance of going through to the Round of 16 thanks to the three points they have so far. 

With four of the six third place sides going through, Switzerland, Finland, Croatia and surprisingly Spain currently have a worse standing so far of the teams in third place.

They would, however, prefer to win the game and finish in second place, therefore dismissing any possibility of going home. Ukraine, of course, will be tough to beat.

Expect one or two changes from Franco Foda here, with Arnautovic one of those likely to come into the side after his ban. 

Star Man – Marko Arnautovic  

Can be dynamic when he plays at his best. He would add an element of unpredictability against Ukraine.