Ukraine vs Belgium has all the makings of a UEFA Nations League cracker!
The two sides meet in the play-offs after contrasting group campaigns, with the first leg hosted at a neutral venue in Murcia, Spain this Thursday night.
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Ukraine vs Belgium Preview
This fixture marks the beginning of a new era for Belgium, with Rudi Garcia now in the managerial hot-seat after Domenico Tedesco’s sacking back in January.
The Tedesco era never really got going, with the Red Devils losing four of their last five Nations League matches – including a 1-0 defeat to Israel on Matchday 6.
Such a poor run of form is why they find themselves competing in the play-offs, with demotion a distinct possibility.
Ukraine can be a formidable opponent on their day, although Serhiy Rebrov’s side were inconsistent throughout their group campaign.
A crucial 2-1 win in Albania on Matchday 6 secured second spot and a place in the play-offs, but other results will be of some concern.
The 2-1 home loss to Albania and 3-2 defeat in the Czech Republic, as well as a disappointing 1-1 draw in Georgia, highlight the frailties of this Ukraine side.
If Belgium can rediscover their swagger and key players hit the ground running under Garcia’s rule, they should claim a two-legged win with relative ease.
Thibaut Courtois is also back in the squad after nearly a two-year absence, the Real Madrid goalkeeper joining the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne.
Ukraine vs Belgium Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Belgium are the big favourites to win this intriguing first-leg clash, priced at 1.83. Ukraine are at odds of 4.25, while the draw sits at 3.45.
Ukraine vs Belgium Betting Tips
Belgium to score over 2.5 goals @ 3.95
With Lukaku, Trossard, Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere available as attacking options, surely Garcia can find a way to get Belgium scoring again. We are backing the new boss to do so and bring an end to a run of just one goal scored in the last three matches.
Over 1.5 goals in the first half @ 2.85
Belgium will be hoping for a ‘new manager bounce’ in Murcia and if you believe it will happen, this market looks very tempting indeed. Ukraine kept just one clean sheet in their group campaign, conceding eight goals in six matches.
Belgium to win the first half @ 2.45
But if you want to take less of a risk on Belgium dominating the opening period, perhaps with just the one goal scored, then this selection looks ideal.
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